A Huge Book Wrap-Up // July & August 2025

It’s been a hectic few months, and with that comes one huge book wrap-up post. Over July, I took part in three different readathons, which left me feeling a little burnt out by August. On top of that, I’ve hauled a lot more books in the last two months!

So, I decided to combine July and August into one big wrap-up. Let’s get into the reviews…

July Wrap-Up

The goal for July was to get a few Christmas books in using prompts from my ‘Jingle in’ July Bingo Board. It didn’t go exactly to plan…

Whistle by Linwood Barclay

Synopsis: “After a devastating year marked by tragedy and scandal, Annie Blunt moves with her young son, Charlie, to a quiet town in upstate New York, hoping for a fresh start. But when Charlie discovers an old train set hidden on their property, unsettling events soon follow—phantom sounds in the night, eerie happenings in the neighbourhood, and disturbing sketches Annie can’t stop drawing. What began as an escape from grief may have led them into something far more terrifying…”

I’d never read a Linwood Barclay novel before, but Whistle caught my eye in Waterstones. For a while, I’ve wanted to branch out into those “household name” authors who always seem a little intimidating with their huge backlists. I’m so glad I started here.

This book was wonderfully atmospheric, and the dual timeline built the story brilliantly. I can see why so many readers compare Barclay to Stephen King. The pacing has that same slow-build intensity, though Barclay’s style leans more into shorter, sharper sentences. He often drops in profound descriptive or emotional words that deliberately slows your reading pace. It keeps you immersed and I found it hard to put the book down.

The story itself felt fresh to me, with a balance between adult and child perspectives on evil that really drove the tension forward. I also loved the diversity among the characters and how their different viewpoints layered the narrative.

Overall, this book was an engaging, unsettling read and a fantastic introduction to Barclay’s work. It’s definitely made me want to explore more of his backlist. A brilliant start to the month for me. 5 stars.

Dead Eleven by Jimmy Juliano

Synopsis: “When grieving mother Willow Stone finds these words scrawled on her late son’s bedroom floor, she’s compelled to uncover their meaning. Her search leads her to a remote island off Wisconsin’s Door County—a place frozen in 1994, where residents shun technology, hide behind curtains at night, and obsessively rewatch the O.J. Simpson car chase. As Willow digs deeper, she senses the island’s strange rules conceal something far darker. When she vanishes, her brother Harper arrives desperate for answers—and soon discovers Clifford’s secrets are more sinister than he could ever imagine. If he can escape to tell them…”

One of the things I loved most about this book was its 90’s atmosphere. Although the story itself is set in the present day, the island at the centre of the mystery is frozen in 1994. Complete with O.J. Simpson footage, outdated technology, and an unsettling refusal to move forward. That eerie nostalgia gave the whole book a distinct flavour and made it stand out from other horror reads I’ve picked up recently.

This is the perfect horror novel for readers who don’t enjoy gore. Instead of shock value, the story leans into creeping suspense, psychological unease, and a touch of the supernatural. The result is chilling without ever being gratuitous.

I thought the characters were well developed, each adding to the unsettling mood of the island, and I especially enjoyed how the narrative was broken up with mixed media elements, interviews, letters, and documents woven between chapters. That style really added to the sense of realism and immersion, making me feel like I was piecing together the mystery myself.

The premise was unique, the atmosphere spot on, and Jimmy Juliano’s writing kept me hooked right until the end. 4 Stars.

How To Find Love In A Bookshop by Veronica Henry

Synopsis: “After her father’s death, Emilia Nightingale is torn between selling the struggling shop or honouring her promise to keep it alive. Property developers are circling, but the community she’s grown close to may hold the key to saving the store. From Sarah, the manor owner with secrets of her own, to Jackson, a father desperate to reconnect with his son, to shy Thomasina, who dreams of love but can’t find the words—every customer has a story, and together they may just write a new chapter for Nightingale Books.”

I’ll admit, I’d already had a Christmas book fail before picking this one up, so I wasn’t exactly in a festive mood. But this story completely changed that for me.

I’m a sucker for any book centred around a bookshop, and this one was filled with so much emotion and heart. Through Emilia’s journey, navigating life after the loss of her father while deciding the future of Nightingale Books. You really feel the weight of her choices, and the origins of the shop through her father’s legacy were beautifully told.

What makes this book shine is how it introduces you to so many different characters, each with their own stories, struggles, and connections to the shop. From love to loss, to rediscovering joy through books, it was heartwarming to see how reading and community wove their lives together. And yes, love is definitely in the air this festive season.

This was the kind of Christmas moment you can curl up with and finish in just a few cosy hours. 4 Stars.

Next Of Kin by Hannah Bonam-Young

Synopsis: “When people-pleasing Chloe steps in to care for the baby sister she’s never met, she finds herself paired through CPS’ new “TeamUp” program with Warren—a brooding mechanic’s apprentice fighting to keep custody of his teenage brother. Forced to share a home, the two clash at every turn, yet slowly discover common ground—and a spark neither expected. But as their fragile arrangement deepens into something more, Chloe and Warren must decide if risking their growing bond is worth everything they’re fighting for.”

This was my first Hannah Bonham-Young book, and it definitely won’t be my last. What grabbed me straight away was her sharp, tongue-in-cheek humour woven into the dialogue, a style I always go for.

I really appreciated the disability representation and the focus on sibling relationships. The book highlights how often older siblings step into parental roles, whether or not parents are present. That dynamic was explored with such care and heart.

The premise itself felt unique: two strangers paired through a programme designed to support families in need. At its core, it reminded me of the saying, ‘it takes a village’. Raising a child doesn’t always mean doing it alone or relying on blood relatives. Sometimes support comes from unexpected places. Coming from a big family myself, this theme really resonated.

Of course, there’s also a romance, with a little spice. At first, it felt slightly jarring given the circumstances (kids in the house and all that!), but once I adjusted, it worked. Chloe and Warren aren’t far into adulthood themselves, and their relationship added to their personal growth and the emotional depth of the story.

This was a heartfelt, funny, and tender read that balanced family, responsibility, and romance beautifully. I can’t wait to pick up more from Hannah Bonham-Young. 5 stars.

Murder At The Bookstore by Sue Minix

Synopsis: “Meet Jen Dawson—mystery writer, coffee addict, and reluctant sleuth. Back in her hometown with a bestseller behind her and writer’s block in full swing, Jen spends her days in the local bookshop—until the owner dies under suspicious circumstances. Suddenly, Jen is not only the prime suspect but also the unexpected heir to the store. To clear her name, she’ll have to solve the case herself… before the killer strikes again.”

I adore a cosy mystery, and this one is part of the Kensington Cozies collection. After grabbing my attention last year, I ended up collecting all six in the series. I promised myself I’d get through them this year. So far, I’ve managed one, and it’s safe to say I’m itching to pick up the rest.

The premise is a familiar one in the cosy mystery world: Jen Dawson, a mystery author with writer’s block, suddenly finds herself wrapped up in a real-life murder case. The bookshop she loves becomes a crime scene, and before long, Jen herself is a suspect. What I really enjoyed was that while it leaned into that expected “author-turned-amateur-sleuth” trope, there were still some fun surprises and enough twists to keep me engaged.

What makes it shine for me is the charm. Jen is witty, sharp, and full of character, which made following her investigation feel like spending time with a clever (and slightly nosy) friend. I also loved the setting, it had that classic cosy atmosphere of community, books, and a touch of danger lurking under the surface.

This was a solid murder mystery with plenty of warmth, a dash of humour, and a lead character I’m excited to spend more time with. A great start to the series. 4 stars.

The Bookshop Woman by Nanako Hanada

Synopsis: “Nanako Hanada’s life is falling apart—her marriage has ended, her bookshop is struggling, and she’s drifting through hostels with little more than her love of reading to anchor her. In search of connection, she joins a quirky meet-up site, advertising herself as a “sexy bookseller” offering personalised recommendations. Over the next year, Nanako encounters a colourful mix of strangers—some looking for love, some for friendship, and others for something entirely unexpected. Through them, she may just discover how to rewrite her own story.”

This one ended up being a solid 3 star read for me. I went in expecting something light, cosy, and wholesome. What I got instead was quite different, and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it wasn’t what I was hoping for.

The premise itself really intrigued me. Over the course of a year, she meets all sorts of people, some endearing, some uncomfortable, and some who reveal more about society’s perceptions of women than about the power of books.

On one hand, I did enjoy the variety of characters and the way each encounter revealed something new about Nanako’s journey. But on the other hand, it often felt more like a social commentary on gender, loneliness, and modern relationships than the heartwarming “bookish” story I was expecting. The minimal focus on actual book conversations slowed my engagement with the story, and at times, I found it a heavier read than I anticipated.

I appreciated the honesty of the themes, it definitely gave me a reality check about how women are perceived and judged in different spaces. But it wasn’t the cosy, uplifting narrative I’d hoped for. A thought-provoking book, but one I struggled to fully connect with.

Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama

Synopsis: “In a world where magic is ordinary, Coco dreams of becoming a witch—though everyone insists magicians are born, not made. Ready to abandon her hopes, Coco’s life changes when she encounters Qifrey, a travelling magician with a secret. What she sees challenges everything she thought she knew about magic—and reveals that her dream might not be impossible after all.”

Where have I been? This series has been hugely popular among manga readers for a while. After dipping back into manga last year, I knew I wanted to branch out more. I’m quite specific with what I enjoy. Cosier, witchy, hero-style stories always call to me, so this seemed perfect from the title alone. Honestly, I hesitated at first because of how long the series (and its spin-offs) already are, but I finally decided to jump in… and now I need every volume.

From the very first chapter, this story captured me. It’s brimming with heart, heartbreak, emotion, family ties, and the beginnings of new friendships. All while setting up a mysterious and layered plot. Coco is such a relatable protagonist. Her dream of magic feels so earnest and hopeful, and watching her world open up gave me that perfect blend of wonder and ache.

The artwork is absolutely stunning. Detailed, whimsical, and atmospheric, it fits the tone of the story beautifully. I also appreciated that this first volume was a little wordier than other manga I’ve read. It gave more depth to the worldbuilding and made me feel fully immersed in the magic system.

This first volume gripped me from start to finish, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. A series that feels both cosy and full of adventure…I’m hooked. 4.5 Stars.

The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor Manga, Vol. 1 and Vol.2 by Sarasa Nagase 

Synopsis: “Jill Cervel, noble-born and trained for battle, devoted everything to her fiancé, Prince Gerald—until he betrays her and condemns her to death. In her last moments, she wishes for a chance at an ordinary life. When that wish is granted, Jill finds herself bound to a shocking new fate: proposing to the Dragon Emperor, her kingdom’s future enemy. A reluctant vow soon becomes a choice that could alter history itself…”

This is a good reminder of why I usually stick to cosier manga. I first came across this series through the anime trailer and thought it looked interesting. When I realised it was based on a manga, I picked up the first two volumes to give a try.

From the start, I was intrigued but also uneasy. The story follows Jill, who is 16 when she learns her fate, only to go back in time and find herself at 10 years old again. I enjoy time travel stories, and that premise alone drew me in. But then the plot quickly introduces an engagement between Jill, at 10, and a 19-year-old emperor.

Now, I know this is set in a fictionalised historical world, and cultural context plays a big part in how relationships like this are portrayed in certain media. While I can understand where the idea may have come from, it was something I personally found uncomfortable to read.

Volume 2

In volume 2, we learn more about why the emperor must marry someone young to break a curse. Nothing inappropriate happens between the characters, but for me, the underlying dynamic still felt unsettling. It also raised some broader questions about how female characters are sometimes positioned in stories. Even when they’re meant to be the heroine. I kept hoping Jill’s real mental age (her 16-year-old self) would come into play with characters around her, but when that wasn’t explored, I realised this wasn’t going to be the series for me.

That said, I want to note that the artwork is beautifully done. The character designs and worldbuilding details are striking. Ultimately, though, the storyline didn’t sit right with me, so I’ll be leaving it here. 2 Stars for both.

July’s Reading Stats

Putting all these books into TheStoryGraph app, I found…

I read 8 books!

A total of 2,210 pages.

88% of the books read were fiction. 12% were non-fiction.

Genre-wise we have romance, contemporary, fantasy and crime. Manga is also listed as a genre but I would say that was another medium of reading.

My average rating for the month was 3.56.

As always, I read all my books in print

July’s Book Haul

I as very good this month, and… I used points to pre-order a few of these!

• Smile For The Cameras by Miranda Smith
• Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
• The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
• A Witch’s Guide To MAgical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
• Aria Of The Beech Forest Volume 3 by Yugiri Aika.
• The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
• Seven Lively Suspects by Katy Watson
• Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
• Ride The Waves by Katherine Reilly
• Let’s Make A Scene by Laura Wood
• Book Boyfriend by Lucy Vine
• Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
• Nightshade by Autumn Woods
• Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland

August Wrap-Up

I hit a wall come August. After taking part in 3 readathons, I felt lost when trying to pick what to read. Many books were tried a chapter of, but in the end I read…

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

Synopsis: “Romance screenwriter Nora Hamilton writes love better than she lives it. After heartbreak, her new script brings Hollywood star Leo Vance to her doorstep, and into her life. What begins as make-believe sparks something real, in this witty, heartfelt story about love, second chances, and unexpected connection.“

This was a one-day read for me. I curled up in the hammock on a sunny afternoon, and by the time I finished, I was wishing there were more pages left.

Nora makes a brilliant lead. She’s a single mum, a loyal friend and sister, and an author with that quiet “main character without realising it” energy. She’s the glue holding her world together, which makes her both easy to root for and wonderfully relatable.

Leo, at first, doesn’t strike as the ideal leading man. He’s handsome, slightly aloof, and not quite as charming as he thinks. But as the story unfolds, Annabel Monaghan carefully peels back his layers. His personality, opinions, and choices feel authentic, gradually revealing him as more than a Hollywood stereotype.

What really stood out to me was the unexpected direction the story took. For a romance, it had emotional shifts I didn’t see coming, which kept me hooked until the final page. Monaghan’s writing style is witty, heartfelt, and atmospheric. She captures intimacy and humour in equal measure, weaving them into a narrative that feels both warm and compelling.

This is a romance that balances heart, charm, and just enough unpredictability to make it memorable. I devoured it in one sitting and now can’t wait to explore more of Monaghan’s work. 5 Stars.

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

Synopsis: “For her entire life, ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has lived in the shadow of her famous father, horror author Vincent Taylor, who is the prime suspect in the unsolved murders of his siblings five decades ago. Now on the brink of financial ruin, Olivia reluctantly agrees to write her father’s last book. This forces her to confront the ghosts of her family’s past, as Vincent, after fifty years of silence, is finally ready to tell his story. But is he ready to tell the truth about what really happened?”

I picked this up for The Book Troop monthly book club and wasn’t sure what to expect after seeing mixed reviews. But I ended up really loving it.

What hooked me immediately was the structure. The multiple POVs and shifting timelines created constant intrigue. Seeing the same event through different perspectives kept me on my toes. The fact that Olivia is ghostwriting for her estranged father. A man she barely knows but is tied to by blood and scandal, added an extra layer of tension.

The suspense was spot on. Some reveals I managed to predict, which was satisfying, but one twist completely blindsided me in the best way. My jaw actually dropped.

Olivia herself was a fantastic character. She’s messy, conflicted, and real. Her complicated emotions made sense given her upbringing and the shadow her father cast over her life. Julie Clark explored those dynamics so well, balancing family drama with mystery so that neither ever felt secondary.

I also loved how the flashbacks were handled. They were sharp, purposeful, and always pushed the story forward. Each one added tension and detail, leaving me eager to see how everything would slot together.

This was twisty, layered, and emotional, a story that completely gripped me. A solid 4.5 stars.

August’s Reading Stats

Putting all these books into TheStoryGraph app, I found…

I read 2 books!

A total of 602 pages.

100% of the books read were fiction, and genre-wise we have contemporary, mystery, romance and thriller. Quite opposites when you look at both books read!

My average rating for the month was 4.5. It’s quite easy to have a higher average monthly rating when you read less in a month. Especially if you are like me and hit a slump. Meaning you pick up books you know you’ll like.

As always, I read all my books in print

August’s Book Haul

I as very good this month, and… I used points to pre-order a few of these!

• Alchemy And A Cup Of Tea by Rebecca Thorne
• The Last Soul Among Wolves by Melissa Caruso
• The Baby Dragon Bakery by A. T. Qureshi
• Persuasion by Jane Austen
• Killer On The Road by Stephen Graham Jones
• Quicksilver by Callie Hart
• The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura
• Beneath The Stars by Emily McIntire
• Beneath The Stands by Emily McIntire
• Beneath The Hood by Emily McIntire
• Beneath The Surface by Emily McIntire

And that is one huge book wrap-up. I am sorry this has come up late. I will be reviewing September and October together as well at the end of October. Mainly because I will be reding all the spooky, autumnal and witchy reads. Also, because it’s a busy few months for me.

What was your last 5 star read?

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As always, thanks for reading…

Hannah Marie x