Well this year really didn’t go to plan where reading was concerned. I had big plans to try and read at least 30 books. 2023 was a busy year for us, which left me very little time to read. Life happens and thats ok as we have to be realistic. Next year it is my mission to read more as I do really enjoy it and its great for relaxing and winding down.
I did however manage to read a handful of book this year which i have shared my thoughts on below.
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
The Chocolate Lovers’ Diet – Carole Matthews
This is the second of the chocolate lovers books that I have read so far. The chocolate lovers diet had me hooked from the start. There are so many ups and downs of the 4 main characters Lucy, Autumn, Nadia and Chantal. They all have their own dramas and issues but are always on hand for each other. They are literally a text away and as soon as a chocolate emergency is called they all meet in chocolate heaven. Chocolate Heaven owners Clive and Tristan always have a never ending supply of chocolate for the girls. I love Carole Matthews style of writing it really does make for an easy and enjoyable read. I can’t wait to read Chocolate Lovers Christmas and Chocolate Lovers Wedding.
Everything is Beautiful – Eleanor Ray
I really enjoyed reading Everything is Beautiful. It took me a while to get into the story and what was going on, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love how it flits from the past to the present. It gives all the background you need to the present day events. I loves all the characters especially Amy, I think she is so relatable. With some books you are able to second guess the ending but not with this one. It really is full of twists and surprises. It was a really great heart warming novel that I would recommend anyone to read.
Sunrise by the Sea – Jenny Colgan
This is a story about Marisa who is a shy and quiet girl who decided she needed some quiet time. After recently losing her beloved Grandfather she had been struggling with grief. Marisa thought moving away would be the answer. So she moved to a sleepy place called Mount Polbearne, a remote tidal island off the Cornish Coast. Mount Polbearne turns out to be anything but a sleepy little place. Marisa’s neighbour was the local piano teacher so that Brough its own issues. With work pressurising Marisa to return she starts to see a therapist who actually works wonders for Marisa. Eventually Marisa starts to venture out and meets one of the locals called Polly. Marisa and Polly soon become friends and help each other out. As the island pull together following a storm friendships and relationships are formed. I really enjoyed reading this book and it was in no way predictable. Jenny’s style of writing makes her book a delight to read. I would highly recommend Sunrise by the sea and I will certainly be reading more of Jenny’s book in the future.
Happy – Fearne Cotton
I bought Happy even thought it is not a book I would normally choose. I really enjoyed it once I got into reading it. It really does make you think and evaluate all the little things that make you happy. Mental health is a big issue for a lot of people so its good to see people talk openly about their struggles. Fearne really does open up about her own mental heath struggles and issues she has faced and how she has overcome them. I would really recommend this book as it really does make you realise there is a reason to be happy everyday.
Covid-19: The Great Reset – Klaus Schwab and Thierry malleret
This was a super interesting read to be honest. It gave lots of factual information regarding the pandemic, along with facts and figures.
I feel the book was written to help us understand what’s coming long term and how the world has changed. The book only has 3 main chapters. The first assesses what the impact of the pandemic will be on five key macro categories: the economic, societal, geopolitical, environmental and technological factors. The second considers the effects in micro terms, on specific industries and companies. The third is all about the nature of the possible consequences at the individual level.
If you are interested to know more about the pandemic and the full scope of the impact then this is definitely the book for you.
If you enjoyed this blog then check out my other blogs:
