So let’s start with taking a look at the list in the original post. You can read that here.
Read more books – A totally obvious choice and I did that in spades. In 2022 I read 25 books and in 2023 I finished on 57, I had imagined to have read a few more but nearer the end of the year I was rundown and headaches and being busy meant I didn’t finish the few I thought I would.
Review every single book I read – Now this didn’t happen but I did review more than I didn’t so that’s a massive plus and a decent stepping stone.
GoodReads target 53 – I finished on 57 so this made me happy and I’ve increased 2024 target to 75.
Read more classics – well this was a fail. But I did start an Agatha Christie subscription and I’ve read a few of them this year.
Beat the back log – I may have read a few but this didn’t really happen. (Do I need to make a post with a bunch I hope to include each month)
Donate books I won’t reread or doubles – At the beginning of last year following my ear operation, when I got out on a walk for the first time I dropped off a bunch of books to the Blackheath book box.
Buddy Read –Now this is where it gets tricky I’m sure we did but not as on point as previously. We had hoped to start the year reading the new Paige Toon but I haven’t got it on Netgalley 😭
Read more Non Fiction – I want to say there were at least 5. I have added a few more to my TBR and still need to review a short one that I listened to, that was extremely empowering.
Outside of comfort zone – ummm I think I attempted this but it will definitely go back on this years goals.
Listen to more Audiobooks – of my 57 books I listened to 32 audiobooks so this definitely was a winner.
I always seem to pen this post on the first of the next month as I always try and finish one more book before the month is out. I thought I may have finished my current audiobook I got close but never managed to finish it. Which is absolutely fine.
Recently I lost out on about four day’s reading due to feeling awful and having a massive headache. So of late I’ve stuck to audiobooks which has been fun but has meant my physical book hasn’t been touch in a while.
So before we delve into what I read let’s look back on what was on my TBR you can read that post here.
Last month I had thought I would have read more than I did. I’m happier with this months offering.
I’ve read 6 gorgeous books this month.
I’m absolutely loving Taylor Jenkins Reid and this month I read two of her books both via audio.
My Review can be read here.My review can be read here.I read part one and was originally hoping to go straight into part two and do a post but I’m still to read part two 😦 This debut blew me away and you can read my thoughts here. I will forever fangirl over these two and this was a gorgeous treat. You can read my thoughts here.This one had been on my TBR for a while and I listened to this treat. You can read my thoughts here.
I had hoped to have got another book on the list for July but it wasn’t to be. I’m currently listening to Love Me Do.
I have about 3 and a half hours left to listen to. I listened a bit this morning and now my attention turns to the Lionesses.
Due to my headaches taking over I haven’t got back to my physical read. I have started The Man Who Died Twice. So I’m hopeful that those two will be the first reads of August.
Blurb: Welcome to paradise. We hope you survive your stay…
Escape to paradise.
Scuba diving instructor Cass leads her students out for their first dive off the beautiful coast of Koh Sang, Thailand’s world-famous party island. It’s supposed to be a life-changing experience, but things quickly spiral out of control…
Leave your secrets behind.
By the time she gets back to the shore, one of her students is dead, another badly injured, and she knows that her idyllic life is about to be smashed to pieces on the rocks.
But don’t get lost for ever…
Because someone is making sure that backpackers never leave paradise – one murder at a time. And Cass has a feeling she might be next…
Review: Wow! Where do I start with reviewing this outstanding debut. I am 110% a fan of Sara and I’ve already asked when her next book will become available. I pretty much inhaled this novel and every single time I thought I knew where this tale was going bam I was totally wrong.
I was intrigued by The Dive but I never expected this rollercoaster ride. This is a truly gorgeous, atmospheric novel I felt like I was on those beaches in Thailand. I loved the aspect of Scuba diving although not sure I’m that brave especially after reading this novel.
We are told the story by two POVs of two very different women. We have Cass one of the Scuba instructors and Brooke an Instagram influencer – both of these women have secrets but wow!!! I was not expecting where this tale would go and both back stories were heartbreaking and heart wrenching. I must admit I found myself judging one of these ladies so wrongly, I won’t delve into that as I don’t want to spoil any of the story.
The permanents on the island are a family on the resort with each of them playing their own role in their makeshift family. They are a unique bunch who all have their own secrets and reasons for being on this remote island. That’s all I will say as this story had me on the edge of my seat constantly second guessing my last thought, and most of the time I was wrong.
The Dive is a haunting novel that will have you on the edge of your seat second guessing everyone and everything. Anything you think you know is nowhere near the truth. I loved how Sara has intricately drip fed information and back story where needed. As I got to the last 70% or so of the novel I barely breathed the story took hold and I was not prepared for the twists and turns. This is a novel I will talk of and recommend forever more, a debut that left me stunned.
Happy Hump Day all…for those of you who work the Monday to Friday, also for those of you just wishing this week away all is good. I’m not normally either really and today I will be chilling as yesterday I finally had my ear operation and nasal surgery. I’m doing ok, in some pain but I have some meds I can take now and painkillers and the other drops will happen once the bleeding stops. My sister was like did you take a hospital gown selfie but funnily enough I did not. Even before I felt worse for wear, up early, looked red as hospitals are mostly warm places.
I’m not usually one to be this type of blogger but it’s been such a long time since what I thought was an ear infection back in 2019. I won’t bore you with all the details. But I should be reading and blogging more as I have some time. Hoping to get some Disney Plus in whilst my niece is at school too…. I’m very much close to finishing Marple. For any fans of the actual Marple novels where should I start as I’m definitely wanting to.
As I turned my phone on last night I saw that Spurs Twitter was still a toxic mess but Book Twitter gave me all the feels. I may have reached out to gain a few more proofs to read and then I came across this cover reveal…
I’ve never read anything by this author but the cover just stood out to me so I had to share it today. I’ve just realised this is a debut that I will be reading this year. Watch this space.
I normally do the blurb first. But here it is.
Blurb: We’ve all had those moments. The ones where you look in the mirror and nothing feels ok. For Anita Bhagwandas, this started when she was a child and it created an enduring internal torment about her looks.
We’re all told that this is just part of growing up, but it stays with us, evolving as we age. The internet tells us we should love ourselves, whilst bombarding us with images of airbrushed perfection, upholding centuries-old beauty standards which we can’t always see. Our beauty rituals are so often based around things we think we need to fix, grow and develop – sometimes tipping into dangerous obsession.
So, what seismic shift does it take to break free from this mentality? In Ugly, Anita uncovers where these beauty standards started, unpicks why they’ve been perpetuated and unmasks the structures that continue to support them. From the ever-growing cosmetic surgery industry, to the hidden pitfalls of ‘pretty privilege’, it is time to finally break free from those limiting beauty standards, because feeling ugly should have nothing to do with how we look, and everything to do with who wants us to feel lacking.
This sounds to me like a powerful debut and this is released in February and can be pre-ordered now.
The other day when I shared Victoria Walters latest cover reveal this next one popped up and I’ve been meaning to share it.
Heidi Swain is another go to author and her standalone novel The Book Lovers Retreat looks fantastic.
Blurb: One long summer. One perfect setting. Can fiction inspire real life…?
Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime. Spending six weeks away will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career will go – the safe route, or the more risky creative option? And for Rachel to decide whether to move in with her partner Jeremy. Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment, and her space is offered to another Hope Falls afficionado, Alex. But when Alex turns out not to be who they expected, the holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms and where their lives will change course forever…?
Well that’s all from me for today…I am hoping to do a Throwback Thursday tomorrow do let me know what sort of thing you hope to see. Until next time…
Blink! And that’s another week passing us by. Although January is by far the longest month of the year isn’t it?
So what do I have to share with you this week. As I was originally meant to go into hospital for my Ear operation I ended up having Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off work. On Monday and Tuesday we were having our kitchen floor done and my oh my that was hell on earth. On Tuesday I attended my first fitness class of 2023 and it was Katie’s fabulous Water Aerobics such an epic class always leaves me feeling empowered. I was also kind of sad as it will be my only class for a while.
Haven’t made Boxfit yet this year but I once I am able to I’ll be making up for lost time.
Tuesday also saw the release of the book everyone is talking about Spare. I must say I’ve caved and started the audiobook. I’m on chapter 36.
I also got back to Marple and I’m loving these mysteries. I must admit I bought it purely because of Ruth Ware but I’m fully engrossed.
By Thursday I returned to work…I’ve had two back to back mental shifts, although I love being busy I woke up the last few days feeling like I was hit by a train or that I had done a massive run….made me miss that buzz. I’m hoping to get back to my running when I’m well enough.
Yesterday I found myself voicing my worries re my surgery and I was comforted in the best way. I know it’s normal to be scared it’s been a long time coming and it’s definitely made me more emotional if that’s even possible.
I’ve added another book to my Goodreads target 🙂
Feeling good 🙂
So what’s been on the blog this week?
I posted a Top Ten Tuesday post and you can read that here.
On Wednesday I finally shared my thoughts on Rebecca Ryan’s fantastic debut and you can read that here.
On Thursday I shared another Throwback I’m loving these. But what would you like to see? You can read that post here.
On Friday I was pleased to share a gorgeous cover reveal for an author I love. Although I’m saying that I could have shared two. I may well share the other one soon. You can read that post here.
This week thanks to my bro I discovered white chocolate Creme Eggs – Heaven.
As ever if there’s anything more you wanna see here at Hayley Reviews give me a shout. Have the North London Derby tomorrow and then my final work day for a while as my surgery is on Tuesday 😳. I’m hoping I can still keep up with the blog and the reading…may try and draft a few things.
Firstly I know I missed a week I’m sorry that’s where you got my Best Of 2022 instead. I may spam a few more links that were missed just for good measure.
So, this post is coming to you on Sunday as I had a blog tour post to share yesterday but I did not want to miss another week. For those of you not new to Hayley Reviews you’ll know that here and there I’ve shared this post on a Sunday.
It’s been a bit of an emotional week for me but before I delve into that I have managed to get off to a decent start with the GoodReads target. In saying that I want my review ratio to be better this year but I’ve been so in the moment with the books I’m loving that I haven’t quite finished them.
This is where I’m at and I’m halfway through my third of the year. That feels good. I have partially written some thoughts on one of these both will be on the blog later in the week.
My emotional week has been connected to my ear – which I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned but I’ve been struggling with since 2019. After the pandemic it was apparent that I would need an operation and it’s been very on/off since then. I had an appointment as I thought my surgery would be on the 10th January, following a chat with the doctor it’s been changed twice and I will now have surgery on 17th January. I’m happy to hopefully get my full hearing back but I’m also a tad scared.
So let’s look at what was on the blog when I didn’t post an update and for this week.
My thoughts on Breathe a new musical can be read here.
I love a Top Ten Tuesday post and you can read the last one I penned in here.
My thoughts on the sampler of The Drift was a popular post and you can read that here.
Throwback Thursday’s have been a popular one too and you can read my last one here.
My last post yesterday was a blog tour post and you can read that here. I’m halfway through this beauty so I hope to have a host of reviews for you this coming week. As I was initially going to be in hospital I have a few days off – I will be attending water aerobics on one day but I’ll have some extra chill time.
Ooooh how could I forget I went to see Elf the musical this week.
It felt weird being January but it was such a festive treat.
What would you like to see on the blog this coming week? I would love to show some running but it’s not happened of late. I have felt a lot better but obviously I won’t be able to when recovering.
Today I am pleased to say is my stop on the blog tour for My (extra) Ordinary Life By Rebecca Ryan. I loved hearing her read this back at the blogger event.
This is a truly unique debut that has sparked a number of thoughts I’m not even sure I’m ready to voice. It’s that good a novel that it speaks to you in waves…
Blurb: Have you ever wondered how normal you are?
What if you were perfectly average?
More than anyone else.
For Emily – it’s true. When she watches a documentary on the average human she sees her life. Her job, her hair, her favourite food. All of her – plainly, horrifically average. Even her blood group. Right there and then, she decides she wants more.
She’ll travel the world (i.e. venture out of her hometown)
She’ll become a vegan (it’s interesting to hate cheese, right?)
She’ll do something daring (As long as it’s safety tested)
Nothing will stand in the way of Emily living her best life. Not even Josh and his dimples. Because she absolutely can’t fall in love…that would be too ordinary.
And from now on, Emily is going to be extraordinary.
I should be sharing a review today but in Hayley fashion I’ve tried to cram waaaay too much into the beginning of January. I am halfway through this beauty and I’m loving every single second of this novel. My review will come soon enough. Emily is a likeable and extremely real character, as I’ve said she’s made me question a few mundane things in my life.
Maybe I need to channel a bit of Emily and get some spontaneity into my life….can’t really in January as it’s pretty full on and I’m having an operation on 17th but February I’m coming for you. I won’t be doing an Emily for anyone that’s already read her February aspect that won’t be me 🤷♀️. This is wholeheartedly the exact novel I needed to read in January…my review won’t be to far behind this post.
Be sure to check out each and every stop on this fabulous blog tour.
Was it when we started drawing the chalk figures, or when they started to appear on their own?
Was it the terrible accident?
Or when they found the first body?
Review: Firstly, how this been on my TBR pile for over a year I will never know. When I got my copy of this book I purchased a Waterstones sprayed edged paperback with Chalk Men on the sides.
I remember when I first heard about this book there was a lot of hype and I must admit sometimes that goes two ways for me. I either want to read it or I don’t purely because of that. What I will say having now read The Chalk Man it is so worth the hype. This was by far the most intoxicating book I’ve read in a long time.
Now how do I do this book justice in review, without also saying too much. We start by finding out there is a body in the woods and then it’s the mystery surrounding that.
There are so many layers and aspects to this novel – you have the obvious one the murder, then you have the mystery and intrigue behind The Chalk Men and the crazy stuff that happens. I loved that I was left judging everyone yet there were a number of seemingly nice characters that I was shocked by later on.
That then brings me to Eddie and his friends. This story spans from the then 1986 and now 2016. Eddie still lives in his childhood home and a few of his old school friends are still around, although merely acquaintances from time to time as apposed to being thick as thieves as kids. Yet there’s an aspect of their shared past that keeps rearing it’s ugly head. I loved seeing them reunite but it’s sad to see how even the best of friends can change so much.
Eddie and his pals witnessed a lot of trauma as adolescents and in seeing them in the now, I don’t think they have ever really dealt with the events. The story is narrated by Eddie so we find out more about him, some of the scenes in his childhood had me flinching and feeling for him so much. His personal trauma was hard to read and makes sense as to why he blocks stuff out in the now with the drinking.
I truly loved the nostalgia of this novel the times seemed so simple although not for Eddie and his pals. To think this was C J Tudor’s debut novel blows my mind her way of writing, her atmospheric tone and the sheer want for more was mind blowing. At so many points I thought I knew what had happened but right until the very end I was constantly thinking ok no it’s you. Or that’s not right.
I can’t and I won’t say anymore than that, but this novel focuses on so many real to life aspects that adolescents can’t deal with alone. A truly breathtaking read that had me captivated from start to end.
I’ve read The Burning Girls and The Chalk Man what should be my next read from this author?
Today it is my stop on the Three’s A Crowd blog tour as part of the paperback publication. I will be sharing my thoughts today. As always do check out the other bloggers hosting on this fabulous tour courtesy of Simon & Schuster.
Blurb: What happens when an estranged father and son unwittingly fall in love with the same woman?
Out-of-work actor Harriet is recuperating from a crash-and-burn affair with Damian – aka ‘Cockweasel’ – and making ends meet as a barista when she meets two rather lovely men. Tom is a regular at the café, and seems like such a nice guy. Smooth-talking DJ Richard is older, but in great shape – a real silver fox.
Deciding to take a chance on both of them, Harriet doesn’t realise at first that she is actually dating father and son. Tom and Richard aren’t on speaking terms, and don’t share a last name – so how was she to know? By the time everyone finds out, both Tom and Richard are truly madly deeply in love with Harriet, and she’s faced with an impossible choice.
But as the battle for her affections intensifies, ‘Cockweasel’ makes an unexpected reappearance and begs her to give him another chance…
Review: I have to start by apologising to the author and publishers as I should have read this back in 2021 when the ebook was published. As I was so excited by the sound of this book but life got in the way. Fast forward to 2022 and I jumped at the chance of being a part of this tour for Simon & Schuster.
Three’s A Crowd was the perfect tonic of a read. Simon has managed to create a story that’s real, that’s funny and that also incorporates mental health, emotions and a whole lot more.
Harriet, Richard and Tom are all very different people. Yet each of them has an insecurity that makes them real to life. Each of them are extremely normal but they are all hiding so much behind the surface of their individual lives. The premise of two men falling for the same woman and being related made this an intriguing read but that wasn’t the half of it. One hell of a journey with lots of secrets and intrigue thrown in. Plus listening to two men make a play for the same girl was funny as hell especially as the story plays out.
I loved how this was written we had chapters from each of them some shorter than others meaning there were many days of just a few more pages. As the story transpired there were many an OMG moment where I needed to continue reading, one of the massive moments I read just as my break was ending. That meant it was on my mind for the rest of my shift making me desperate to turn the pages almost instantly as I sat on my bus home.
Being a Londoner I wholeheartedly loved the Transport for London aspect and that of the radio show.
Three’s A Crowd is the perfect dose of humour yet managing to focus on real-life taboo subjects that are so real to the lives we all live. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that incorporates so much yet has me smiling so much. A fantastic debut read I honestly look forward to what Simon comes up with next.
Thanks to the votes on my Twitter poll I’m now finally sharing what I read in September. I’m almost finished with my first audiobook of October and that feels so good.
So far this month audiobooks have been there when I’ve not had time or space to flick through actual pages. It’s also funny how you can start an audiobook and not feel it but on the second attempt you’re physically hooked, that’s how I’m feeling right now.
I buddy read this beauty with Catriona and I was pleased to be part of the blog tour for Catherine Bennetto’s latest novel.
Milly Johnson is a legend this novel is so different from her usual stuff but I’m 110% here for it. I’ll think of the Vamplew sisters for a long time to come.
I listened to this beauty but as yet haven’t penned my thoughts although this may well be my favourite so far. This was my final read of September and what a read it was. My review for this one will be up tomorrow. But as much as this is a YA fiction novel I wholeheartedly believe everyone needs to read this one.
So that’s how September faired…following my holiday time in August I got my reading mojo back and I’m honestly loving it so much.
In case you missed my October TBR you can read it here. I’m currently listening to Something Wilder by Christina Lauren and I’m almost into the last hour of this one. It’s a slow starter but my I’m hooked.
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