There are a lot of good upcoming book releases in March, so here is a list of some of my most anticipated releases for next month. As a reader, I always try to find new books and new authors to add to my reading list. I enjoy a variety of genres, from romance to thrillers to dark academia, and there are quite a few book releases this year that I'm looking forward to. However, for this blog post, I'm focusing solely on March 2026. My most-anticipated new releases for March are mainly romance novels, but they are all in different subgenres. So, if you enjoy reading about love stories and seeing characters get a happy ending, then check out some of the upcoming book releases below. In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde Genre: Sports Romance Release Date: March 3rd 2026 Synopsis: " He's used to being the boss. But she's in her own league... As the first female team owner in Major League Baseball, Reese Remington has spent her entire life preparing for this role. With a sharp mind and years of experience working behind the scenes, she's more than qualified. But the public only sees a woman in a man's world - not the person who's earned their place on the field. Under constant scrutiny and pressure to prove herself, Reese can't afford distractions. Especially one that comes in the form of the team's tempting field manager who questions her every decision. Emmett Montgomery is a former All-Star turned coach who treats his players like family and the field like home. After years of running the team his way, the last thing he wants is a new boss - let alone one who seems ice-cold and laser-focused on business. But forced to spend long hours - and too many away games - side by side, he begins to see the fire beneath Reese's control, the heart behind her ambition and the unwavering determination to prove herself. When heated banter turns into sizzling chemistry, professional boundaries blur, and the spark between them becomes impossible to resist. But Reese is constantly reminded of how many people are waiting for her to fail, and the safest move is to keep Emmett at arm's length - for the sake of the team, the season and her career. But keeping their distance is one game neither of them can seem to win..." Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score Genre: Small Town Romance Release Date: March 10th 2026 Synopsis: " As literary agent to a romance novelist, Zoey Moody's life currently revolves around love - which is ironic, as she is practically allergic to the L word. She's also a city girl through and through, and yet here she is in tiny Story Lake, Pennsylvania, trying to wrangle author Hazel's next big hit. Life isn't exactly going to plan. It takes all of five minutes in town before chaos finds her, sending her directly into the path of Gage Bishop, one of the stupidly handsome Bishop brothers. He is exactly the kind of romance hero that could entice a heroine to succumb to the charm of small-town life - but Zoey is no romance lead, and Gage can't seem to stand her. It's clear they're all wrong for each other. She's allergic to commitment and can't work a calendar app; he's looking to settle down and has the next five years all planned out. But when Gage's world is rocked by a devastating family secret, he turns to Zoey for one night to forget everything. That one night might just change everything . . . or ruin it. Zoey suddenly finds herself wanting to be the one to save him - and maybe even be saved in return. Can Story Lake inspire a woman who is terrified of love to finally write her own happy ending?" The Last Page Cafe by Kate Storey Genre: Contemporary Fiction Release Date: March 12th 2026 Synopsis: " At fifty-four, Erin McRae feels like she’s living in the margins of her own story. Her son is preparing to fly the nest, and the rent increase on the café she loves to run means she’s going to have to close up shop. Her greatest escape is the mismatched book club she founded, bound together by one unusual rule: they choose their next book based solely on the last page. But when the book club discusses what their own last pages might say, Erin and her fellow members begin to see their own lives in unexpected ways. As the club’s discussions grow deeper, long-buried secrets surface, old wounds start to heal – and romance leaps off the page. With The Bookmark under threat of closure, Erin must ask herself: can she write herself a happier story? " How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: March 10th 2026 Synopsis: " One writer, one editor, one hot summer... A romance for the books? Ciara Sheridan's father has left her with three things: a sprawling and distinctly ramshackle estate on the Irish coast, the outline for the finale to his bestselling epic fantasy series that he wanted her to finish - and writer's block. Enter Sam Avery: Frank-Sheridan-fanboy and hotshot editor, sent from the New York publishing house direct to her doorstep - against Ciara's wishes and red pen at the ready. With the deadline looming, Ciara and Sam have just a few weeks to stop bickering, write this novel and secure Frank's legacy. But as the summer heats up, so too does the tension between them. Will their own love story be the plot twist neither of them sees coming? " Right Your Wrongs by Kandi Steiner Genre: Sports Romance Release Date: March 10th 2026 Synopsis: " Shane McCabe loved Ariana Ridley long before the world knew his name. Before the NHL and the pressure of being one of the youngest, most successful coaches in the league. Leaving her was the hardest thing he's ever done - and the one choice he never made peace with. Now Ariana's back. And she belongs to another man. Shane's new General Manager. Discipline is Shane's job. Control is his strength. He knows how to keep his distance - how to respect the lines that should never be crossed. But every glance drags the past to the surface. He sees the cracks Ariana tries to hide, the fear she's learned to live with, and the way she still looks at him like he's the one place she can breathe. He wants to protect her, wants to fight for her. He wants things he has no right to want. Because if he crosses that line, he doesn't just risk his career - he risks shattering the woman he never stopped loving. And trying to right his wrongs might just ruin them both . . ." Innamorata by Ava Reid Genre: Gothic Fantasy Release Date: March 17th 2026 Synopsis: " Once there was an island where the dead walked the earth, and seven noble houses ruled by the arcane secrets of necromancy. A conqueror’s blade brought them low, burning their libraries, killing their lords, and extinguishing their eldritch magic. But defiant against the new order stands the House of Teeth and its last living members: beautiful Marozia, the heiress to the House, and her cousin, the uncanny Lady Agnes. Though she has not spoken a word in seven years, Agnes is the true carrier of the House’s legacy. And she has her orders. She must recapture the secrets of death magic and avenge her family’s fallen honour. She must arrange the betrothal of her beloved cousin Marozia to Liuprand, heir to the conqueror’s throne, for access to the forbidden library in his grotesquely grand castle. Revenge burns in Agnes’s heart, but so do stranger passions – and it is Liuprand, the golden prince, who speaks to her soul. This passion is as treasonous as it is powerful, poisoning the kingdom’s roots and threatening to tear the already shattered realm in two. For Agnes’s final order is the gravest: She must not fall in love." Love Song by Elle Kennedy Genre: Second Generation Romance Release Date: March 17th 2026 Synopsis: " After a brutal breakup, college junior Blake Logan escapes to her family's lake house in Tahoe, determined to shut out the world. Her plan is simple: no men, no drama. Until Wyatt Graham shows up. Four years older and far too good at getting under her skin, Wyatt is the living embodiment of a "bad idea," and the guy who shattered her pride when she confessed her crush at sixteen. With his music career stalled, Wyatt has come to Tahoe for inspiration. The last thing he expects is to find it with Blake. He's spent years keeping his distance, convinced he's all wrong for her, but she's no longer the innocent girl he once knew. She's confident, captivating, and impossible to ignore. And the slow-burning tension between them? It's catching fire fast. They both know this can't last, but one reckless kiss turns into another, and soon they're tangled in something that feels dangerously like more. Just as they finally give in to the pull, tragedy tears them apart, leaving their hearts in pieces. But forgetting that one, nearly perfect summer? Not a chance. And when fate brings them together again, Blake and Wyatt must decide if this is a second chance...or the final verse." Hunt the Villain by Rina Kent Genre: Dark Romance Release Date: March 24th 2026 Synopsis: " The first time I met Yulian Dimitriev, it was hate at first sight. He’s brash, chaotic, and a violence-junkie. In short, everything I disregard. As heirs to two notorious mafia organizations, we were shoved together in an unorthodox setting. The more I learn about Yulian, the deeper my loathing seeps. Until I truly see the person within, and something forbidden sparks between us. But our coexistence is cut short when tragedy strikes. Yulian and I go back to our respective, parallel worlds that shouldn’t cross. But they do. And once again, I’m dragged into the orbit of a man I shouldn’t want. Two men can’t be together in our world. But Yulian blurs every limit I thought existed until everything is in jeopardy. Our hearts included." Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: March 3rd 2026 Synopsis: " Braedyn Winslow never expected to return to Starlight Grove—the town that took everything from her. Not after her best friend, the one who’d sacrificed so much for her, vanished without a trace. But with a young son to raise and a past that won’t stay buried, Brae is back…and determined to uncover the truth. She just didn’t count on the brooding, reclusive mountain man living next door. Dex Archer is the stuff of local legend—silent, rugged, and surrounded by whispers of his and his brothers’ violent father. But Brae sees through the scowl and his parentage to the man beneath: fiercely loyal, unexpectedly kind…and just dangerous enough to protect her when someone starts warning her off her search. The closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to stay away from Dex. And as things get more perilous, Brae realizes the only person she can rely on is the one man who swore never to trust again. Only someone isn’t happy that Brae has been digging, and they’ll do anything to stop her. But Dex? He’ll do anything to save her, even slip back into the dark." The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: March 31st 2026 Synopsis: " In everyone's life, there's a split-second decision that can change everything . . . For Larissa, it came when choosing which guy to ride home with after a concert. That night, she had no idea she'd met the perfect man. She and Chris are great together, co-parenting a slightly unhinged rescue Yorkie, sharing their favourite books, and judging bread (pumpernickel for the win!). For the first time amid all her side hustles to scrape by, things finally feel easy. But Chris isn't the one who drove Larissa home all those months ago - Chris is her boyfriend's best friend. All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy. Standing by on the sidelines is slowly killing him, but making a move would destroy someone else. And he's just not that guy." These 10 books are among my most anticipated releases in March 2026. I can't wait to read them, and I hope that if you need some new book recommendations, you find these helpful. Until next time...

February 17th, in America, is Random Acts of Kindness Day, so here are some ways that you can be kind to yourself. Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated in the United States on February 17th. Despite living in the United Kingdom, I think this is a day that we should all celebrate, and it got me thinking. Why is there a Random Acts of Kindness Day? Should we not all strive to be kind all the time, to others, but also to ourselves? In a world that is currently divided, we need to remember to be kind to ourselves and to look after ourselves, both mind and body. So, below are some tips on how to be kind to yourself, which I hope will lift spirits and bring happiness. Indulge in self-care I've shared this tip before when discussing mental health, but it is just as important in this blog post. Self-care has only recently become an activity in the past few years, and it's one we should all try to do from time to time. Looking after ourselves should be our number one goal in life because if you can't look after yourself properly, how do you expect to look after somebody else? Indulging in self-care doesn't have to take up lots of time. It could be as short as 10 minutes. But try to do something that helps you relax; that allows your body to rest and feel good, and your mind to shut off for a few moments. It could be taking a bubble bath, doing some meditation, or investing in a skincare routine before bed. As long as it makes you feel better, do it. Enjoy your own company This tip is probably quite a controversial one because a lot of people are social butterflies and are energised from spending time with family and friends. But we can't always be surrounded by people. It's important to be content with who you are and okay being by yourself from time to time. So, one way of being kind to yourself could be going on a solo date. You could go out for coffee, take yourself to the cinema (you can't really talk to friends during the movies anyway), or simply order a takeaway or cook a nice meal, and have a solo movie night at home. I'm not saying we all must spend time with ourselves, but occasionally, having a moment to enjoy your own company can work wonders. Be your own gift-giver As Valentine's Day has just passed, this tip is quite apt. A lot of people don't have friends, family or a significant other to buy them gifts. So why not buy yourself a gift? Being kind to yourself means treating yourself from time to time, and one way to do that is to treat yourself to a little gift. It doesn't have to be big, but equally, it doesn't have to be small. But gifting yourself a little present can bring a smile to your face and make you feel good by receiving something new, especially if it's something you've wanted for a while but never got around to purchasing. Give yourself some grace Life is tough. Things happen, and life doesn't always work out the way we hope it would. It's easy to blame ourselves or be angry at the world. But we have to remember to give ourselves some grace. It is easy to feel frustrated, even about things outside of our control, but we can't control or plan for everything. Sometimes life just happens. We might not complete our list of chores. We might fall behind at work. We might forget to send a birthday card to a friend. All of these things are normal and probably happen far more often than we think (we just don't know about them). So, for my final tip on how to be kind to yourself, I'm reminding you to give yourself some grace. To accept that, as much as we would like to be the next Captain America or Captain Marvel, superheroes aren't perfect, and every one of us can be our own hero if we learn to forgive ourselves. If your world is looking a little bleak, or things are tough at the moment, then I hope these tips remind you how to be kind to yourself, and that that is just as important as being kind to others. Until next time...

As Valentine's Day is this weekend, here are some romance book recommendations for readers who enjoy indulging in a love story. One of my favourite genres of fiction is romance. Over the years, I've read a lot of romance books, from dark romance to romantasy to YA romance. I also love a good romcom and watching TV shows and movies that have feel-good love stories. There's just something about the predictability, but also the heartbreak of a romance story that appeals to lots of people. So, as we are a few days away from Valentine's Day, I'm sharing some of my top romance book recommendations. Throne of the Fallen Sub-Genre: Romantasy Blurb: " With the curse broken, the Prince of Envy is finally free to get his revenge. His scheme requires the assistance of Camilla Antonius, a talented gallery owner and artist. Camilla's skills are needed to help him access a stolen memory Envy believes was painted into an illuminated manuscript that his spies claim is currently being housed in a goddess-run temple on the Shifting Isles. Camilla's knowledge of art history makes her the best choice for the job, but—despite his allure and how intrigued she is by him—Camilla wants nothing to do with the demon prince, or the Seven Circles after seeing the chaos that follows them. Envy has been plotting for ages and came prepared. He reveals he purchased her father's debts and her assistance is the price he's asking for to clear them. If Camilla refuses to help, he vows to ruin her family, take her gallery, and turn them out on the streets. Backed into a corner, Camilla is forced to accept the devil's bargain and they soon embark on a journey that may be as dangerous for their hearts as it is for their world." The Seven Year Slip Sub-Genre: Magical Realism Romance Blurb: " Six months ago, Clementine West had the worst day of her life. So, she came up with a plan to keep her heart safe: stay busy, work hard, take no risks. And it’s been working. That is, until one day she finds a strange man standing in her kitchen. A man with kind eyes, a crooked smile, and a recipe for the perfect lemon meringue pie. The kind of man that, before everything, she could have fallen for … He’s perfect, but for one thing: he lives in the past. Seven years ago, to be exact. This should be impossible, but Clementine used to love impossible things. And maybe, just maybe, she will again. After all, love is never a matter of time – but a matter of timing." Yours Truly Sub-Genre: Medical Romance Blurb: " Dr Briana Ortiz's life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalised, her brother's running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants . . . ? Oh, that's probably going to the new man-doctor who's already registering eighty-friggin'-seven on Briana's 'pain in my ass' scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter. It's a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn't actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who's terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her 'sob closet' and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. When Jacob turns out to be the perfect donor for her brother, Bri starts to realise that this quietly sexy new doctor might just be her perfect match, too." Book Lovers Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance Blurb: " One month. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming.... Nora is a cut-throat literary agent at the top of her game. Her whole life is books. Charlie is an editor with a gift for creating bestsellers. And he's Nora's work nemesis. Nora has been through enough break-ups to know she's the woman men date before they find their happy-ever-after. That's why Nora's sister has persuaded her to swap her desk in the city for a month's holiday in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. It's a small town straight out of a romance novel, but instead of meeting sexy lumberjacks, handsome doctors or cute bartenders, Nora keeps bumping into...Charlie. She's no heroine. He's no hero. So can they take a page out of an entirely different book? " Love Redesigned Sub-Genre: Small Town Romance Blurb: " Julian: If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile. So , when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer. At least until my meddling mother exploits my saviour complex. The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town. But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue. What happens if I want her to stay? Dahlia: People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one. Julian Lopez - my childhood rival and family frenemy. I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer. Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits. Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years' worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions. Giving into our desire is inevitable . . . but falling in love? That isn't part of the plan. " Fragile Sanctuary Sub-Genre: Romantic Suspense Blurb: " The scowl should've been my first sign to stay away from Anson Hunt. The sexy smirk and the fact that he's my brother's best friend? Reasons two and three. Anson is my opposite in every way: grumpy, rude, and loves his solitude. It doesn’t matter how many times I try to kill him with kindness; the man simply won’t crack. Until he sees me shatter. When my world falls apart, Anson catches me. And as so-called “accidents” put my life in danger, he steps in to keep me safe. But Anson has secrets with a price. And when they're revealed, neither of us will escape unscathed. . ." One Golden Summer Sub-Genre: Summer Romance Blurb: " I never anticipated Charlie Florek. But Charlie Florek changed my life. Good things happen at the lake. That's what Alice's Nan always says. And it's true. It's where Alice took that photo, the one that catapulted her career. But when Nan falls, Alice puts down her camera and heads back to Barry’s Bay. No camera. No deadlines. Quiet… until he shows up. Charlie Florek. He was nineteen when she accidentally photographed him. Now he’s back - taller, hotter, and somehow even more unforgettable. Sun-soaked days, slow-burning nights - and when Charlie looks at her like that, Alice starts to wonder if her heart’s in danger. She’s spent her life seeing others. But no one’s ever truly seen her...until now." Better Than the Movies Sub-Genre: Young Adult Romance Blurb: " Perpetual daydreamer and hopeless romantic Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet. The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbour might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must re-examine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like." First-Time Caller Sub-Genre: Romantic Comedy Blurb: " Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom Lucie, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight. Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life—or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending. . . even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her." Problematic Summer Romance Sub-Genre: Holiday Romance Blurb: " Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life. Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him. It's such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother's best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life. But not everything is as it seems - and clichés sometimes become plot twists. When Maya's brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs - even if it's a problematic one." So, if you're looking for new romance novel to indulge in this Valentine's Day, then I hope you enjoy these recommendations. Until next time...

It can be daunting trying to start a new writing project, so here are some writing tips to help you get started crafting characters and plotlines. To kick off the new year, I'm starting 2026 with a new writing project for my undergraduate degree. As a Creative Writing student, I often find myself with multiple stories and creative pieces on the go. However, this year marks the start of a new project. I'm very excited to delve into my new work-in-progress, but at the same time, it is rather daunting. I'm not an established author, and I'm no expert. But I thought I'd share some of my tips for starting a new writing project in case any budding writers are reading this blog post. Use a fresh notebook One of the best tools for starting a new writing project is having a fresh, empty notebook. Not one that you've already started but only used a few pages of, but a clean, new notebook. This way, you'll have a dedicated space to jot down notes, write out any thoughts that pop into your head, and somewhere to brainstorm. It means all your ideas will be in one place and, therefore, will be easier to navigate. I find that if I write the working title of the project on the front page, it sets me up nicely to fill the rest of the notebook. It doesn't have to be the neatest or most organised notebook, so long as you can make sense of what you write. Choose what excites you There is nothing worse than having to write something that just does not interest or excite you. If you're not passionate about what you are working on, it shows in the work you produce. So, remember to choose what excites you. It can be fiction or non-fiction or poetry; if you're writing a novel, choose a genre that interests you, not one you think others will want to read. By writing something that you are passionate about, you will have more fun writing it, and the easier the story will come to life for you. Create a research list For my current work-in-progress, I'm having to do a lot of research (for writing purposes, but also for a critical review). Because of this, I've got a whole new notebook for research notes, and have made a list of different novels and websites I want to read. Having a list of topics I need to research and what sources I can use for my research is making it so much easier, so when it comes to it, I'm not left floundering and trying to search for ages on Google. Instead, I have what I need and can spend my time actually researching and taking notes. So, if you've got particular things you need to look up, then making a list on a post-it note can help specify your research and make the most of your time. Craft character profiles If you're writing fiction, characters are the lifeblood of the story. They inhabit the world you create, journey through the plot you've imagined and immerse the reader in the story. When you are starting a new writing project, if you do not know your characters or if you do not understand them fully, it will make it more difficult for you to progress naturally and consistently. One tip I find helpful for tackling this is to craft character profiles of the protagonists. Now, I'm not just talking about their name, age, what they look like and a bit about their personality. I mean, going in-depth to fully flesh out who they are as people. What was their childhood like? Do they have any secrets or regrets? How do they walk, talk and interact with others? What are their goals and ambitions? Having a character profile can make it easier when you're writing, especially if it's a first-person narrative, because it allows you to get inside the character's head and bring them to life more easily. Draft all aspects 'Draft all aspects' follows on nicely from character profiles. What I mean by this tip is that in preparation for starting to write, if you draft all aspects, you'll have an easier time letting the story flow from your fingertips onto the page. The things you can draft include character profiles, a plot outline, key events in the story, notable interactions between characters and descriptions of settings in your world. By having a rough outline of all these things, it'll make it more fun to get into the crux of your story and begin writing. Write, write, write My final tip is one I've learnt over the past year of studying and writing, and it's one that I sometimes do struggle with still. Write, write, write, means what it says. It does you no good if you sit and procrastinate. It also doesn't help if you write a bit, then edit, then write another section and edit. To start a new writing project, you have to be willing to sit down and write, write, write. Don't try to edit as you go because I guarantee it'll take you longer to get to a finished product. Sure, you can edit if you've noticed a word spelt wrong, or if there's a slight description you actually think would be better if you changed it. But save the big amounts of editing for when you've reached a full draft. These tips are all ones that helped me get to the end of my manuscript last year. I set aside time each week and just wrote as much as I could, following my plot outline and character profiles, and by the end of the year, I had 100,000 words of a complete novel (without editing). So, if you're looking to start a new writing project, I hope these tips can help you kickstart it. If you're a writer or have any tips of your own, feel free to share them below. Until next time...

Netflix released People We Meet on Vacation , the book-to-movie adaptation of Emily Henry's novel, You and Me on Vacation . One of my first reads of the year was You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry. This was a priority read for me because I knew that the Netflix adaptation was coming out in January, and I wanted to squeeze in the book before watching. In America, the book is called People We Meet on Vacation , whereas in the UK it has the title You and Me on Vacation . However, the Netflix movie uses the American title, being an American film. I have enjoyed every single one of Emily Henry's novels that I have read before 2026. My love for her writing has, thankfully, continued into this year as I devoured You and Me on Vacation . I loved the book, and really enjoyed the movie too, so I thought I'd share my review of the film, People We Meet on Vacation , and give a brief comparison to the book. Review of People We Meet on Vacation Genre: Romcom Stars: Emily Bader, Tom Blyth Adaptation of: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Rating: 8/10 Synopsis The synopsis for the movie is: "Poppy wants to explore the world, and Alex prefers to stay home with a good book, but somehow they are the very best of friends. They live far apart, but for a decade, they have spent one week of summer vacation together." That, in a nutshell, is the basic premise of the movie and the book. However, there is a little more to the story. Overall Thoughts As someone who enjoys watching romcoms, I thought People We Meet on Vacation marked a great resurgence of the film genre. I haven't watched a romcom quite like this one in a while, and I absolutely loved it. However, as someone who has read the book, I did find some slight drawbacks, but overall I did really enjoy the movie and would recommend watching it, whether you're a fan of the novel or not. Characters People We Meet on Vacation follows Poppy Wright and Alex Neilson, two completely different university students who share a ride home for the summer. During their journey home, the two form a friendship, and from there, we see Alex and Poppy become best friends and spend one week every summer together. I loved these two characters when I read the books. They definitely follow the opposites-attract trope, but it works. Poppy is outgoing, confident, wacky, and unashamed to be her wonderful, weird self. Alex, on the other hand, is quiet, reserved, definitely more introverted, and loves stability and order. It's safe to say that these find the other a bit out of their comfort zone. But after the first trip, their friendship grows stronger. Poppy is 100% herself around Alex; she doesn't worry what he thinks of her. Alex, whilst still reserved, opens up to Poppy and embraces 'Vacation Alex', who is weird and outgoing for one week of the year. The characters in the book were a lot stronger on the page than those in the film in terms of relatability; however, Tom Blythe and Emily Bader did an exceptional job at portraying Alex and Poppy. I loved their acting and would definitely love to see them cast together in another romcom. The banter was there, the chemistry was there, and they brought Poppy and Alex to life really well. Book Aesthetic Credit: WriteWatchWork Plot Friends-to-lovers is a romance trope that I underestimate a lot. I tend to lean more towards enemies-to-lovers; however, Emily Henry did a superb job of crafting a friends-to-lovers romance that showcases true friends and developing feelings over time. The movie, of course, alters some of the plot from the book. For starters, the present-day trip in the book is in Palm Springs, whereas in the movie, it's in Barcelona. That didn't have too much of an impact, in my opinion; it still worked really well. I loved how the movie structured the flashbacks back and forth between the present and the past, showcasing the different trips that Alex and Poppy go on. Not every trip is involved in the film because there are quite a lot, spanning eight (I think) years, but we get the key moments. The plot of the movie was similar to the novel in that Alex and Poppy reunite after two years of not speaking or seeing each other at Alex's brother's wedding. During this trip, old feelings and memories are brought up, whilst new secrets are revealed. I must say, I am very glad that Netflix included the New Orleans and Norway trips because for me, they are so important in the book. In the film, the New Orleans trip was so good; I loved the dance scene in particular and how they incorporated Poppy rolling her ankle into this scene (in the book, this happens on their trip to Vail up a mountain). The blend of different trips worked really well for the movie, in particular, Croatia and Tuscany. If you've read the book, you'll know that Croatia is when things take a turn for Alex and Poppy and after that trip, they don't speak for two years. In the movie, however, the big fallout between them is in Tuscany. The film incorporates some of what happened in Croatia into the Tuscany and trip, and I felt that this incident was much more impactful than in the book, honestly. Book vs Movie Comparison Having read the book and watched the movie, I do still prefer the book. However, I loved the movie, and there were key aspects to it I thought were done incredibly well (maybe even better than the book). One of these is the final scene. In the book, Poppy visits the school that Alex teaches at and meets Sarah there; she then goes to the pub to tell Alex how she feels. At the time of reading that, I loved it. I thought it was a sweet and heartbreaking scene all wrapped into one. But in the movie, this doesn't happen. Instead, Poppy bumps into Sarah at the airport, they move on from past grievances, and she ends up returning home and running after Alex. This was so much more dramatic and impactful because throughout the film, a major difference between Alex and Poppy is that she hates running. So I loved that ending to the movie. However, on the flip side, there are aspects of the movie that I think could have been developed a bit more to echo the impact and effects in the book. For example, the issue surrounding Alex's back in the movie was such a short sequence of scenes, and his backstory was much less explored in the movie. But overall, I do think People We Meet on Vacation, the movie, is a great adaptation of the novel, and I will probably re-watch it because it is a pure romcom. If you've seen the movie, let me know what you thought. Until next time...

With Blue Monday just two days ago, here are some self-care tips to help your mental health as 2026 gets underway. January is often classed as a depressing month. It's cold, dark, and it's the time when everyone returns to work or school after having time off over Christmas. For a lot of people, the first month of a new year can be a struggle. There are lots of things to think about ahead of returning to work, and also lots of things to sort out from Christmas and for the new year. Which is why the third Monday of January is named ' Blue Monday '. Whilst 'Blue Monday' was made up by a travel company a couple of decades ago with no real scientific backing, that doesn't mean it isn't important. The day serves as a reminder to care for your own mental health, but also to check in on those around you. So, with that being said, here are some self-care tips to help your mental health. Prioritising your body One of the most important things in our lives is our bodies. Without our bodies, we would not be here and it should be a priority to look after them and try to give ourselves the best quality of life possible. Prioritising our bodies is a method of self-care because it will ultimately improve our health, both physically and mentally. There are various ways of looking after our bodies, but let's talk about exercise, sleep and nutrition. Exercise is, of course, an important aspect that needs to be included in our daily routine. Not only does it release endorphins, which make us feel happier after a workout, but it also gets our blood pumping, reduces stress, increases confidence and can be a source of connection with others. Sleep should also be a priority — something I'm probably guilty of not doing. There is no point in having a long to-do list, making time to see friends or stressing about not doing well enough at your job if you're not getting enough sleep. Sleep lets our bodies rest and heal, and puts us in the best position for a good day, but only if we get enough of it and aren't doom-scrolling just before lights out. The final tip about prioritising your body is all about nutrition. There's the saying 'You are what you eat', and in a sense, that is true. If you're fuelling your body with lots of unhealthy and sugary foods, you're not going to feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Instead, you need to be eating a balanced diet, getting enough nutrition, and taking time to enjoy meals, not just scoffing them down as fast as you can if you're short on time. Connections with others I mentioned above that exercise can be a source of connecting with others, and that is important to remember. Sure, sometimes we all need space and time to be alone and have time to ourselves. But there is power in the connection we have with others, whether that's family or friends. You can bond with them and share memories, whilst opening up to them if you need to and getting support from trusted loved ones. So, it's important to remember to make time for friends and family, whether that's a simple coffee date, or having them pop in for an afternoon, or even spending time together grocery shopping. Manage stress and demands I often write about stress on this blog because it is something I suffer from and have seen those around me suffer from, too. Especially in the modern world, there are lots of things that cause stress, whether it's something on a national level, such as the cost of living, or on a more personal and individual level. But there are ways you can combat stress to help your mental health. Firstly, finding a hobby is a great tool for managing stress. Having a hobby that you can indulge in and take time for yourself to do can give you the time and space to relax and be present in the moment. It can be whatever you find enjoyable, whether it's reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, or even gardening. The next way to manage stress is through meditation. There are a lot of apps, like Headspace or Calm, that can help you with meditation if you're someone who hasn't done much of it before, but it can be just as simple as deep breathing or sitting there with your eyes closed and calming yourself down. The final tip of managing stress as a way of self-care is to embrace nature. Now, I'm not necessarily a huge fan of all things nature when it comes to insects and bugs; however, there is something powerful about being in nature and enjoying what it has to offer. So, go for a walk in nature and just have a stroll through greenery, or find an area of green space and just sit there for a while. Reflection My final tip about how to utilise self-care to help your mental health is all about reflection. This can take many forms, but a popular type of reflection is journaling. It doesn't have to be every day, especially if you're someone who is time-aware and knows you won't necessarily have time for it. You can reflect every few days, each week, whatever suits you. But take time to look back on things you've done recently, how you've felt and what has made you happy. This can help you understand your thoughts and understand how to improve your mentality and feel happier going forward. Another way of reflection that I saw recently in The Good Trade is to write a 'ta-da' list instead of a to-do list. Essentially, this is a list of all the good things you've accomplished (again, in whatever time frame suits you) and something you can look back on and feel proud about. With 2026 well underway, this year should be one of self-care for everybody. Of course, some tasks and jobs need doing, but life is too short to just complete housework and not take the time out for self-care. What self-care tips do you have? Until next time...

2026 is full of new book releases, and I've got a list of 26 books that I'm prioritising for this year, including both old and new recommendations. Last year, I made a '25 Books for 2025' list. I managed to read all but three of the novels on that list and found it enjoyable to have a set TBR that I could tick off. For 2026, I'm doing a similar thing. I have made a list of 26 books for 2026. On this list, there is a diverse mix of books, and I have included the three I didn't get to last year. I'm hoping to read more dark academia and thrillers, as well as fantasy and romance, so I have listed quite a few different genres and authors. If you're a reader and looking for some new recommendations this year, then carry on reading and check out the books on my '26 Books for 2026' list. Romance Meet Me At The Lake by Carley Fortune Carley Fortune was a new author for me last year, and I joined many readers in the hype for her novel, One Golden Summer . I loved her writing style so much that I knew I needed to read more of her work, and Meet Me At The Lake looks like a perfect summer read, so I'm excited to delve into this novel this year. At Whit's End by Bailey Hannah Normally, I read Bailey Hannah's books as soon as they're released, but as At Whit's End came out in December, I didn't get around to it (I only read festive books in December). However, it's high up on my TBR for 2026, especially with the final book in the Wells Ranch series coming out as well. Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles If you've read one of my quarterly reading round-ups from last year, you'll know that I discovered Catherine Cowles. I devoured her Sparrow Falls series, and for 2026, one of my priority books is her upcoming release, Across the Vanishing Sky , which I know I'll just love. Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde Liz Tomforde is another auto-buy author for me, but for some reason, I haven't read Rewind It Back , the fifth and final book in the Windy City series. I'm not sure why, maybe because I love the series so much, I don't want it to end, but 2026 is the year I'm going to finish it. Rewind It Back is the final interconnected standalone in the sports romance series and follows Rio and Hallie as they get a second chance at love. Breathe With Me by Becka Mack Becka Mack's series, Playing For Keeps , is one of my favourite hockey romance series. It is full of fab characters, lots of fun and lots of emotion. And Breathe With Me , the final book in the series, is one I've been eagerly anticipating since I met the two protagonists, Emmett and Cara, back in book one. I can't wait to dive into their emotional story and pick up Breathe With Me this year. Wild Card by Elsie Silver Wild Card is the final book in the Rose Hill series by Elsie Silver. That is a series I love, and Elsie is an author whose books I have enjoyed every time, but I haven't got around to picking up Wild Card and finishing off her third series. So, for 2026, I'm going to read the final book in the series and join in with the hype, before Elsie releases her upcoming book, Fever Dream , and starts a new series. You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry One of my favourite authors is Emily Henry . I've read four of her books so far, and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. However, heading into 2026, one of her books I had yet to read was You and Me on Vacation (People We Meet on Vacation in America). This book has been talked about a lot, and Netflix released the movie adaptation of Alex and Poppy's story last week. Knowing I want to watch the movie, You and Me on Vacation , is a priority read of the year, and I managed to read it as my second book, finishing it over the weekend. Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh Binding 13 is a brick of a book, and one many people have told me to read, but with tissues on hand. It's a novel that's intimidated me in the past, but I feel like 2026 is the year to finally read book one of the Boys of Tommen series and see why everyone ends up crying whilst reading it. And Now, Back To You by B.K. Borison Not only do I love books, but I also love movies, especially romcoms. B.K. Borison's upcoming book, And Now, Back To You , is book two in an interconnected standalone series all based on Nora Ephron films. I loved First-Time Caller (Sleepless in Seattle-inspired), so I knew I would be so excited to read And Now, Back To You (When Harry Met Sally-inspired), which is why it's a priority read for me. The Favourites by Layne Fargo The Favourites by Layne Fargo is a book I've had my eye on for a while, especially since I did work experience at the publishers . I've had it on my shelf since October, but I haven't yet picked it up; it's become a priority read for me this year because of its resemblance to Wuthering Heights . It includes romance, but is more of a contemporary fiction read, so I'm excited to branch out more into that genre. Thrillers The Exes by Leodora Darlington This novel is actually a debut by Leodora Darlington, set to be released at the end of February. I was lucky enough to receive a proof from Penguin Michael Joseph and made sure to read it before its release. The Exes was my first read of the year, and it was such a gripping thriller! I absolutely loved this book and found the writing incredibly easy to read, with truly shocking twists. If you love a good thriller and a debut novel, then you need to read this. The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell I do love a good thriller, but for some reason, I've never picked up a Lisa Jewell book. I know, tragedy; however, I now have my hands on one of her books, gifted as a birthday present, and I can't wait to read it. The title is intriguing enough on its own, let alone the blurb. But 2026 is the year I finally read a Lisa Jewell book. Twisted by Steve Cavanagh One of my favourite authors is Steve Cavanagh. Granted, I've only read three of his books; however, I know enough to call him a favourite author. Twisted is a standalone novel from Steve Cavanagh, and it's high on my TBR because I have heard such good reviews about it, and I want to read more thrillers this year. Dark Academia The Secret History by Donna Tartt I am on a dark academia journey this year. It's a genre that's become more involved with my writing, and it's a genre I also quite enjoyed last year. Donna Tartt is said to have kind of kick-started the dark academia genre with The Secret History , so it was a must-read for me. Babel by R.F. Kuang Similarly to The Secret History , if you ask someone to list some dark academia books, they'll probably mention Babel by R.F. Kuang. This novel is one all about literature and translation and language, which I love, and I really enjoyed R.F. Kuang's writing in Yellowface, so I knew that my sister and I would need to read this book eventually. Fantasy Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber I have heard nothing but good things about this fairy-tale YA romantasy since I joined the bookish communities on social media. As someone wanting to read more fantasy in 2026, it was a no-brainer that I would add this to my priority list. Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig Two Twisted Crowns is book two in the Shephard King duology. I read One Dark Window , book one, last year and really enjoyed it. However, I didn't read book two before the New Year, so I'm planning to read it in the first few months of this year. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros If you're a reader, you'll likely have heard of Fourth Wing . It's a romantasy series that received rave reviews quite quickly. But again, it's a book that intimidates me because of the high expectations. But this is the year that I finally give in to temptation and see what it's all about. The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas This book is the prequel to the Throne of Glass series, although there are different reading orders to this series (a bit like Fast and Furious with Tokyo Drift ). I'm not sure what reading order I'll use when I come to reading the series, but I do know it's a priority to start the fantasy series. The Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli The Rebel Witch is the second novel of The Crimson Moth duology. Much like the Shepherd King duology, I read book one in 2025, but never got around to book two. Hence why it's a priority read for 2026. Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu Heavenly Bodies is another fantasy novel that I have been wanting to read for a while. It's got a lovely cover, and based on my friend's recommendations, I'm going to enjoy it, so it's another fantasy book to help me discover more in that genre. This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi If you've seen my BookTok or read some previous blog posts, you'll know I'm a huge fan of the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. I have read those books so many times, but for some reason, I've never picked up Tahereh's other series, This Woven Kingdom . So, 2026 is the year I discover more of Tahereh's writing in a new series that I have a feeling I'll love. Dystopian The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins Growing up, I very much enjoyed the dystopian era of the 2010s when The Hunger Games, Divergent , and The Maze Runner all came out. So much so, I still love reading dystopian novels today. The Hunger Games series is one of the best I've read, and it's a treat for readers that Suzanne Collins is continuing the series with a book about other characters. This one has already been made into a film, so I'm hoping to read it before finally watching the movie. Historical Fiction The Women by Kristin Hannah I absolutely loved Kristin Hannah's novel, The Nightingale , last year when I read it. I admire her writing style and the emotion she packs into her prose, so it was a no-brainer for me to want to read more of her books, and The Women is the novel I've chosen to read next. Non-Fiction Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton I haven't read much non-fiction in my life, but I've been told this is a book to read, particularly if you are a woman in your 20s. I know a little bit about Dolly Alderton and have seen rave reviews of this book, so I am looking forward to delving into her stories. Classics Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë I've been meaning to read this classic ever since I read Cressida McLaughlin's Christmas book, The Secret Christmas Bookshop . In that novel, the protagonist receives a special edition of Jane Eyre , and it intrigued me. I want to read more classic literature, and with Jane Eyre already on my bookcase, 2026 is the perfect year to pick up the classic and find out the story of Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester. These are the 26 books I'm hoping to read before the end of the year. There's quite a variety of genres and authors, but I'm determined to complete them all. And if you're a reader, I hope these book recommendations help you in discovering new books to add to your TBR. What books are you hoping to read this year? Until next time...

2026 is here and I'm sharing some tips on how to kickstart the new year, making the most of what's to come. Last year felt like it whizzed by, and now we're back in January of 2026. Christmas has been and gone, schools have returned for the spring term, and most people have gone back to work. January isn't a popular month for many people. It brings January blues, and can cause a lack of motivation, particularly when it's cold and rainy and dark. However, January is also a time for fresh starts, new beginnings, and new habits. A lot of people set resolutions, or create vision boards and bingo cards, for the year ahead. So, I'm sticking to the theme of motivation and sharing some tips to help kickstart the new year. Keep up to date One of the worst things that can happen is starting the new year and knowing nothing about what you've got going on. A lot of events and appointments may have been scheduled before Christmas, but it's easy to forget them. Therefore, when it's the start of a new year, it can help to have a diary or a calendar. Having a diary/calendar means you can write down everything you've got planned, birthdays and anniversaries, deadlines, etc. It doesn't have to be complicated or anything fancy, simply write down the dates. If you want to go a step further, you can colour-code your entries. I use a different coloured pen for different topics; for example, purple is for birthdays, blue is for university, pink is for personal, and orange is for family. However you want to design it, having a diary can make it easier to kickstart your new year by having all the important dates in one place. Practice self-care I know it's the start of the year, and a lot of people say, Be productive and get things done. And that's great, but one thing that should become a habit is self-care. In today's world, stress has become more common, and so has burnout. So, this year, I'm preaching self-care. Practising self-care will help make you more productive, put you in a better mood, and give you time to care for your physical and mental health away from the demands of work. It doesn't have to be a huge ritual full of skincare products or a whole routine. It can simply be having a hot drink, snuggling up on the sofa, and watching a comfort movie. Or if you fancy it, a spa day, a solo date, a takeaway one evening, etc. Just choose something that'll help you relax and indulge. Exercise and repeat Continuing along the lines of improving health, my next tip is all about your physical health. Exercise is something everyone should add to their weekly routine. You can pick the form of exercise; if you're not a runner, don't force yourself to run, and if you don't like the gym, don't force yourself to sign up. But choose a form of exercise that fits in with you and your routine. Something simple that you can do a couple of times a week. By getting your body and mind used to exercising regularly at the start of the year, you'll build the habit to continue throughout the next 12 months. This will help improve your physical health and your mental health with all those post-workout endorphins. You don't have to have a specific goal in mind, but just try to be active a couple of times a week for 20-30 minutes. You'll thank yourself in December. Aim for yearly goals New Year's resolutions tend to last through January, but are sometimes given up quite quickly, much like vision boards and bingo cards. My final tip is to aim for yearly goals. They don't have to be big; in fact, it's probably easier if they're smaller, more achievable goals. Creating a list of some goals for the year gives you ample time to work towards achieving them. You don't have to set many; just a few will do, but by having these goals, you'll set yourself things to achieve and give yourself a new sense of motivation in January. It will kickstart your year because you know it'll feel good when you can tick off each goal at the end of 2026. So, as we're in January, I hope you all had a Happy New Year, and continue to have a fantastic 2026. Until next time...

The end of 2025 is upon us, so here is my final bookish round-up of the year, a reading review of Q4 2025. 2025 feels like it's flown by with us now heading into 2026. I can't quite believe how fast this year has gone, but it has been a successful 12 months when it comes to books. I already reached my reading goal in Q3 and have continued to add to that number as we head into 2026. Across the first three quarters of the year, I read 81 books. So let's get into my Q4 2025 reading review. WriteWatchWork's Reading Review Total Number of Books Per Month In Q4, I read a total of 25 books. I slowed down towards the end of the year in terms of how many books I was reading because I found myself reading one book at a time, rather than two simultaneously. However, I have read some incredible books in Q4. In October, I read nine books. In November, I read eight, and in December, I've read nine books. Overall, they were three pretty good months, with some diverse books included. Although December was mainly Christmas books. Most-Read Genre 2025 has seen me read quite a few romance books, and that trend continued into Q4. However, I have also read quite a few other genres, including thrillers, fantasy, historical fiction, crime, and Greek mythology. However, romance was the genre that came out on top, probably because of the festive romances I read in December. Most-Read Author In Q4, I read a wide variety of authors, totalling 25 different authors. This is more than the previous quarter, which I'm surprised at. The different authors I read across October, November and December are: Agatha Christie Alex Pine Allie Oleander Autumn Woods Becka Mack B.K Borison Catherine Cowles Cressida McLaughlin Debbie Johnson Erin Sterling Hannah Grace Harper Graham Heidi Swain Holly Jackson Kandi Steiner Kerri Maniscalco Kristin Hannah Laurie Gilmore Lindsey Kelk Madeline Miller Melissa Bashardoust Mia Sheridan Nancy Peach Rachel Gillig Sarah Morgan Out of these 25 authors, quite a few of them were new authors that I hadn't read before. These authors were: Alex Pine, Allie Oleander, Autumn Woods, Harper Graham, Kristin Hannah, Lindsey Kelk, Madeline Miller, Melissa Bashardoust, Mia Sheridan, Nancy Peach and Rachel Gillig. My most-read author has to be Sarah Morgan. I absolutely love her Christmas books and managed to squeeze in a few in December. Favourite Books This year, one of my goals was to limit my five-star ratings. However, I've struggled with that because I have read some incredible books. In Q4, there were quite a few five-star books that I read and ones that I will probably re-read in the future. It was hard to pick my top three, but I have made a decision. My top book of Q4 has to be The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I haven't read much historical fiction, and I was wary of this book not living up to the hype I've seen on social media. However, I fell in love with it. It is a challenging and quite horrific story given the subject matter, but it was incredible. Kristin Hannah's writing is beautiful, and the story is so powerful and emotional that I couldn't not rate it five stars. Next up is All Together for Christmas by Sarah Morgan. As I mentioned above, I love Sarah Morgan's Christmas books, and her latest one is now one of my favourites. All Together For Christmas is such a relatable and raw story that I fell in love with the characters and the world of Cumbria. It's such a feel-good story that is the perfect Christmas read, and I'm so glad I read it this year. The third and final book in my top three favourites is going to be Nightshade by Autumn Woods. I haven't read many dark academia novels before, but boy, am I hooked on that genre. I absolutely fell in love with this book and the characters. Everything about it was intriguing, mysterious, and I need book two right now! Some other honourable mentions include One Dark Window; Throne of the Fallen; Secret Haven; A Touch of Magic at the Comfort Food Café ; and Holiday Ever After. Favourite Authors I have so many new favourite authors from all the books I've read this year, and Q4 provided lots more. The three authors of my top three favourite books — Kristin Hannah, Sarah Morgan and Autumn Woods — are some of my favourite authors, but I'm going to pick three different writers. So, my top three authors of Q3 are: Kerri Maniscalco Catherine Cowles Hannah Grace Kerri Maniscalco made me fall in love with her writing once again when I read Throne of the Fallen . I knew I enjoyed her writing style from loving the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy, but reading Throne of the Fallen made me fall in love with it even more. Her intricacy of crafting in-depth fantasy worlds and characters leaves me in awe. Catherine Cowles was one of my top authors from Q3, but I couldn't not choose her again. Catherine is a brand-new author for me this year, but I have fallen in love with her Sparrow Falls series and can't wait to binge her other novels. Secret Haven was one of my most anticipated releases this year, and reading that story had me on the edge of my seat. My final favourite author of Q4 is Hannah Grace. I've read Hannah Grace's Maple Hills series, and I did enjoy that; however, she has stepped up her game with Holiday Ever After. I absolutely loved the small-town Christmas romance that left me feeling all warm and giddy. It was such an enjoyable read, and I hope Hannah writes more books in this series. Best Book Surprise The best book surprise of Q4 is Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk. This book came out this year, and was my first Lindsey Kelk book. I'd heard good things about her as an author and have always been intrigued by her books. But Christmas Fling was such a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I read it in two sittings and laughed so much. The writing was easy to read and the story hooked me from the first page. The characters were great, and it was just such a funny, light-hearted read that was perfect for the build-up to Christmas. Least Favourite Book Unfortunately, Q4 had a couple of books that didn't meet my expectations, and for that reason, I'm listing them in this category. Now, bear in mind, I did enjoy all the books I read. However, these were my lower-rated books of Q4. First up, we have Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan. I rated this book three stars. I went into it, knowing the basic premise of a love story between Beth and Archer, a man who is mute and has to use sign language to communicate. For me, this story had so much potential, and I think because I'd seen reviews of how emotional it was and how amazing it was, I put too much pressure on myself to agree. Sadly, I didn't find the book that emotional, and I also found myself like skim-reading some sections. I didn't connect with the characters much, and I think that's probably why I enjoyed it less than I expected. A similar thing happened with The Song of Achilles . Now, I rated this book four stars, and I am so glad I read it because I love Greek mythology and did enjoy it. However, I read this after reading The Nightingale, and for that reason, I didn't find it emotional compared to Kristin Hannah's novel. The writing in The Song of Achilles is beautiful, and I will re-read this book next year, but at the time in Q4 when I read it, it didn't live up to expectations. 25 Books for 2025 Over the course of the year, I've ticked off books from my 25 books for 2025 list. And in Q4, I managed to progress even further, reading seven books from this list. The seven books on the list that I read in Q4 were: Five Survive (Holly Jackson), And Then There Were None (Agatha Christie), The Song of Achilles (Madeline Miller), Throne of the Fallen (Kerri Maniscalco), One Dark Window (Rachel Gillig), Fall With Me (Becka Mack), and Archer's Voice (Mia Sheridan). Credit: WriteWatchWork That leaves three books unread from this: Jane Eyre, Binding 13, Once Upon a Broken Heart . However, they will be priority reads for 2026. I hope you enjoyed my reading review of Q4 2025. If you haven't read some of the books mentioned in this post, I hope you give them a go. 2025 has been a great year of reading for me, and I hope 2026 will be the same. Until next year...

Christmas is only a week away, so here are some tips on how to switch off for the holidays and enjoy the festive period. December is probably the most stressful month of the year, leading up to Christmas. There are presents to buy and wrap, food to order, decorations to put up, and on top of that, your normal routines of work and family. It can sometimes get to be too much for some people. And whilst you may think you've got lots of time to sort everything out, Christmas usually sneaks up on us, even though we know it's coming at the same time every year. However, I thought I'd share some tips on how to switch off for the holidays, so that everyone can actually enjoy the festive period and spend time with family and friends without worrying. If you find December and Christmas to be stressful and chaotic, consider the tips below for some helpful advice. Put your phone away In the modern age, almost everything can be done on our phones: taking photos, communicating with others, ordering gifts, etc. But sometimes, we can easily get wrapped up in scrolling on our phones for hours. So, to help you switch off for the holidays, try putting your phone away. I don't mean turn it off completely over Christmas—if there's an emergency, people still need to get in contact—but leaving it in a room, maybe on silent, can help. Having time away from our phones allows us to connect with things around us and means we can be fully present in the moment, letting us focus on the here and now. Write a recap and to-do list One of the things I struggle with over the holidays is my work. I tend to finish a week or so before Christmas and don't return until a few days into January. However, having a prolonged period of time off means I often forget what I was doing before the holiday and what is essential after. So, I write a list. Before I take time off for Christmas, I write a list of things I've done, where I stand with a project, etc. I also write a to-do list for after the holidays. This helps when I return to work, so I know what things need doing and where I'm up to, making it less stressful and making me less confused. Make a food list (to buy and to prep) Christmas is full of lots of things, and one of those things is food. It can be very stressful and time-consuming trying to figure out and buy all the food you need for Christmas. There's Christmas dinner, desserts, snacks, and breakfast—the list is endless. But writing a list of all the food you need to get and the different foods/meals that need prepping before Christmas can definitely help. It can also help to write when to cook things, for example, do you need to cook a turkey joint on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas Day? This will help you switch off for the holidays because you won't have to constantly think about each thing; instead, you can just look at your list. Embrace all sorts of wrapping Something I find stressful is wrapping, but that's mainly because I struggle to measure the wrapping paper correctly for each present. The folding and sticking I've got down, but not the cutting. However, I'm trying to embrace all sorts of wrapping. Whether that's too much paper, mismatched paper, too much cellotape, jagged edges, or simply tissue paper-wrapped presents. The idea of a gift isn't for it to be beautifully wrapped; after all, the wrapping paper gets ripped off and put in the bin. The thing that matters is the gift itself and the thought behind it. So, if wrapping presents is something that stresses you out, then embrace all sorts of wrapping to help you switch off as we get closer to the holidays. Take time to indulge Switching off for the holidays is key because it's a time to spend with family and friends and feel grateful for what we all have. But it's also a time to care for ourselves and make sure we're taken care of. This festive season, to help you relax and switch off, take time to indulge in things you like. Whether that's a day shopping (although that can be quite stressful at Christmas), a nice meal out, or an evening in with sweet treats, a festive movie and the Christmas lights on. However, you like to relax and take a moment, make sure you do this Christmas. I hope these tips help you switch off this Christmas and enjoy the holidays! As always, if you've got tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Until next time...

The Family Plan 2 came out last month and it is a great family film for fans of action and comedy at Christmas. Earlier this year, I watched The Family Plan on Apple TV+. It stars Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, and was such an enjoyable film. I loved The Family Plan , so when the sequel was announced, I was so happy. My family and I are big movie buffs, particularly action movies. The Family Plan 2 is a Christmas film, but it's perhaps one of the least festive movies. However, it is still a fab movie to watch this December, and I explain why in my review below. Review: The Family Plan 2 Genre: Action Comedy Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Kit Harrington, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Zoe Colletti, Van Crosby Where to Watch: Apple TV+ Rating: 8/10 Synopsis: The Family Plan 2 continues from the first film, a few years later, following the Morgan family after the events involving Dan's father. The official synopsis is as follows: "Now that Dan's assassin days are behind him, all he wants for Christmas is quality time with his kids. But when he learns that his daughter has her own plans, he books a family trip to London --- putting them all in the crosshairs of an unexpected enemy." My Thoughts: I absolutely loved The Family Plan 2 . It was such an enjoyable film to watch that I would watch it again. It follows the Morgan family at Christmas time as Dan (Mark Wahlberg) books a trip to London to visit his daughter, Nina (Zoe Colletti). However, as always, things aren't easy, and their Christmas trip in London soon takes a turn. The acting in this film is, as always, fantastic. I think Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan are great actors, and they portray their characters so well. There's chemistry between them, but they also play on the humour and comedy of the script to deliver exceptional characters. Kit Harrington plays a new character in The Family Plan 2 , but he is also a great actor. I haven't actually seen him in anything before --- I should probably watch a bit of Game of Thrones ---- but I loved the dynamic between his character, Finn, and Dan. Max, the younger of the Morgan children, was so cute during this film. There were offhand comments he made that just made me smile and laugh. In the first one, he was the only one to really pick up at first that Dan was a former assassin, and his cuteness and smarts continued into the sequel. One of the best things, though, in this film was the comedy. I love how the movie has serious scenes, showcasing the importance of family and looking out for each other, but also switches to light-hearted moments that make the audience laugh. It isn't a full-on comedy, but The Family Plan 2 definitely brings out the laughter, I can attest to that. Even during the action scenes, there's humour that doesn't take away from the action, only adds to it. I thought the action scenes were fantastic. I'm not sure if Wahlberg does his own stunts or not, but it is very impressive. Especially with the addition of parkour in this film over French rooftops. The Family Plan 2 is, overall, a family-friendly film that features action, comedy, a little bit of romance and highlights the importance of spending time with family, no matter where you are. So, if you and your family are looking for something to watch this festive season, then I definitely recommend checking out The Family Plan 2 on Apple TV+. Until next time...

As well as timeless classics, there are a lot of new Christmas movies for you to add to your watch list this December. I love cosying up on the sofa and settling in to watch a Christmas movie. Of course, there are the classics, such as The Holiday, Arthur Christmas, The Polar Express, and Elf. But this year, there are plenty more Christmas movies that have been released in time for you to watch them this December. So, as a film buff, I thought I'd share with you some of my top recommendations of new Christmas movies to add to your watch list. Three Wisest Men Genre: Family Comedy Where to Watch: Hallmark or Sky Christmas Synopsis: "Three siblings deal with personal changes and their mother's decision to sell the family home before Christmas. Between in-laws, wild animals, and a mall Santa, they try to make the holidays perfect." My Thoughts: I loved the first two movies in this trilogy, and the third and final instalment is just as good. It is funny, heartwarming, and Christmassy. A Merry Little Ex-Mas Genre: Romantic Comedy Where to Watch: Netflix Synopsis: "A separated couple tries celebrating one last Christmas together with their kids before their divorce. However, the husband's new girlfriend joins the festivities, causing tension and chaos during the holidays." My Thoughts: From the trailer, this movie looks so good. I always love a Netflix Christmas movie and this one seems right up my street when I'm in the mood for a Christmas comedy. Oh, What Fun! Genre: Family Comedy Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Synopsis: "Claire plans a special Christmas but is forgotten by their family. When they realise that she's missing, their holiday is at risk until she returns to give them the celebration they deserve." My Thoughts: I like Michelle Pfeiffer as an actress and this film looks great. It's all about family at Christmas and not taking people for granted, which is an important reminder at this time of year. Christmas Karma Genre: Christmas musicals Where to Watch: Synopsis: "A hard-nosed businessman, Mr Sood, is forced to confront his past, present and future over one fateful Christmas Eve - guided by three unforgettable spirits - on a journey toward compassion and redemption." My Thoughts: With a star-studded cast, this Christmas musical is definitely on my to-watch list because it is a unique twist on A Christmas Carol and looks so fun! Jingle Bell Heist Genre: Romantic comedy Where to Watch: Netflix Synopsis: "At the height of the holiday season, two strangers team up to rob one of London's most famous department stores while accidentally falling in love." My Thoughts: I've seen this one advertised on social media quite a bit and I love the look of it, so will definitely be watching this in December. A Very Jonas Christmas Movie Genre: Musical comedy Where to Watch: Disney+ Synopsis: "Three famous brothers race against time and face mounting challenges during a chaotic journey from London to New York, desperate to make it home in time for Christmas with their loved ones." My Thoughts: I love the Jonas Brothers — I used to watch their show on Disney Channel — so knowing they've done a Christmas movie made me so excited to watch it. Joy to the World Genre: Romantic Comedy Where to Watch: Disney+ Synopsis: "A famous lifestyle writer must maintain her carefully crafted image when TV cameras arrive for Christmas dinner. Her plan to have her best friend pose as her spouse leads to unexpected feelings and revelations." My Thoughts: I like Chad Michael Murray as an actor, and Joy to the World looks like a wholesome Christmas film that is just enjoyable to watch. Merv Genre: Romantic Comedy Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Synopsis: "A recently separated couple take their shared dog on a holiday trip to cheer him up, but end up reconnecting romantically." My Thoughts: Who doesn't love a Christmas film about a dog? Merv looks like it'll be such a good film to watch with some comedy, romance and dog cuteness. The Family Plan 2 Genre: Action comedy Where to Watch: Apple TV+ Synopsis: "Now that Dan's assassin days are behind him, all he wants for Christmas is quality time with his kids. But when he learns his daughter has her own plans, he books a family trip to London---putting them all in the crosshairs of an unexpected enemy." My Thoughts: I love a good action movie, and I loved the first movie, The Family Plan , so this is a must-watch for my family and me. Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story Genre: Sports Romance Where to Watch: Hallmark and Christmas 24 Synopsis: "Sparks fly between two lifelong Buffalo Bills fans as they try to discover the identity of a mysterious Christmastime gift giver." My Thoughts: I love the NFL and Hallmark movies, so it's no surprise that I'm looking forward to watching a Christmas movie that combines both with one of my favourite actresses, Holland Roden. Those are my 10 recommendations of new Christmas movies that have been released for you to watch this December. There's a little bit of something for everyone, so I hope if you choose to watch one off this list that you enjoy it. Until next time...