Tag: monthly wrap up

September Wrap Up and October TBR

October 2, 2021

October is my favourite month of the entire year; I love cosy jumpers, pumpkin spice lattes and all of the autumnal vibes, plus it’s my birthday month, so that’s an added bonus! I’ve got a lot to look forward to this month, not only have a booked a cheeky weekend down in London but I’m also going back to EDINBURGH! Edinburgh is one of my favourite places in the entire world and I can’t wait to spend a couple of days exploring more of this beautiful city! One day I’ll live there, but right now I’ll just have to settle for a couple of days here and there!

I start every month with a promise that the next month would be better, that I’d finally sort my routine and break out of this horrible cycle of disappointment, and so far I’ve yet to keep that promise! Whoops! BUT this month will be different! I turn 24 this much and it’s about time I sort my life out and start focusing my energy back into myself. I’ve made a monthly to-do list and at the top of that list is to ‘get back into blogging’, it’s something that I’ve really missed and I can’t wait to bring some of my post ideas to life!

I want to say a HUGE thank you to all my followers (new and old!) for welcoming back into this community. I took a couple of months off for my metal health and it truly felt like a piece of me was missing. I find it crazy to think that I’ve never met any of you, but I consider you all some of you as great friends who always make me smile with your kind and lovely comments and positive energy! I wish I could give you all a huge cuddle, so here a virtual hug!

September Wrap Up

I didn’t read much this month, but what I did read completely blew me away and gifted me with a reading experience like no other.

The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune – This book is like a warm hug, it’s wonderful. It completely surpassed my expectations and filled me with so much love and joy. Thank you to everyone who recommended this book, it’s quickly become one of my favourite reads of the year and if you still haven’t read it yet then I HIGHLY recommend you do, it’s beautiful.

October TBR

I love read-a-thons and one of my favourite things about them is picking my TBR based on the different prompts, so I think each month I’m going to set myself a few challenges rather than a selection of books I probably won’t read! I’m very much a mood reader with a huge TBR who also struggles with making decisions (that’s the Libra in me), so it’s no surprise that I don’t ever stick to structured monthly TBR’s! I’m ready to change things up and try something a little different! I’m also really behind in my Goodread’s reading challenge (12 books to be exact!) so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do!

Read something spooky: It’s spooky season! It wouldn’t be an October TBR without a few frightening reads!

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins, White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson, Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco, Wilder Girls by Rory Power, The Chalkman by C.J. Tudor

Read a book off my ’25 books challenge’: Alli @The Book Giraffe shared 30 books she wanted to read in the 30 months before she turns 30, so I thought I’d make my own list of book I want to read before I turn 25!

Keep an eye out for a post coming soon!

Read a book about witches: I’ve just started re-watching Merlin and I’m really craving a bit of magic, specifically books that involve witches and sorcerers!

Windwitch by Susan Dennard, Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin, The Bone Witch by Ron Chupeco, The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Read a book off my out-of-control TBR: My TBR is embarrassing and I’m not allowed to buy any more books until I sort it out and get it under control! The problem is that since joining bookstagram I’m constantly seeing great book recommendations that I can’t help but add to my Goodread’s shelves!

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

June Wrap Up and July TBR

July 6, 2021

I feel like I’m constantly climbing a mountain. Every time I catch my breath and get things back on track, I fall and end up right back at the beginning, and it’s exhausting. There’s been A LOT of tears this month, but I refuse to let this feeling crush my spirit and positivity anymore. I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and think fate is just pushing me out of my comfort zone towards a crossroads of new chapters.

That horrible wave of realisation and panic hit me at the end of June and ended up trapping myself in a dark hole of self-doubt. We’re now halfway through the year, and I’ve yet to make any progress on any of my personal goals. I’m terrified that another year will pass, and I’ll still be in the same place. I’m a dreamer, and I’m constantly envisioning the future I have planned for myself, and it doesn’t help that I compare myself to other people around me. We’re all on our own paths, but I seem to be lost on mine. I’ve touched on this in previous posts, but I’ve reached a point where I’ve become complacent in my routine, and I’m desperate to do something different.

I’ve had my little cry, and I’m now working towards becoming a better version of myself and embracing the fact that life is short. I want to challenge myself with new opportunities and step out of my comfort zone, and there are a few projects (and books!) that I’ve been putting off that I finally want to start!

One of my big goals this month is to get back into my blogging schedule because last month was a bit of a disaster! I haven’t been in the right headspace to sit down and write, so I apologise for my inactivity and lack of responses, but reading everyone’s kind comments and tags have helped. Everyone has been so lovely, and I’m proud to be a part of such a wonderful community that continues to support my love for writing, reading and blogging!

Anyway, that’s enough of me and my metaphors, and here’s to a month filled with love, sunshine and good vibes!

June Wrap Up

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare – I’m kicking myself for not starting this series sooner, because I have fallen utterly in love with these characters. Seriously, if you haven’t read this series then you need to drop everything and pick it up now!

Clockwork Princesse by Cassandra Clare – So much happened in this book, and it left me an emotional wreck! This series had everything I wanted and more, and it deserves all the love and hype. I’m already planning a roadtrip to Cadair Idris with my sister and I’m excited to dive into Chain of Gold next!

Get A Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert – I LOVED this book so much! It was exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading slump and was a delight to read. Chloe is strong, smart and hilarious and then we have Red who is just so kind and loving, and I’d give anything to see these characters come to life! I think I might take a page out of Chole’s book and make my own ‘get a life’ list and embrace the adventure.

July TBR

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber – One of my most anticipated reads of 2021 and I was beyond excited when I received the email saying that my request has been approved! I’m beyond excited to dive into back into the wonderful world Stephanie Garber has created and for opportunity to get to know Jacks a little better!

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – After reading Chloe Brown, I’ve really been craving some romance and this has been at the top of my TBR for months. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book and I’m eager to jump in and see what all the hype is about!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I swear I’m the only person in the world who hasn’t read this book yet and I’m feel like I’m missing out!

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart – I blame bookstagram for this one! I read this book years ago, but can I remember anything that happened? No! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump recently and this short and intense story should be a quick and easy read. Plus I’m curious to see whether I still think this book lives up to all the hype!

May Wrap Up and June TBR

June 2, 2021

So much happened this month! Not only did I meet the cast of Shadow and Bone but I also got my first vaccine! I’m very fortunate to have a close friend working at my local surgery who rang me up and asked if I wanted one as they had plenty spare, um yes please! I’d fully accepted that I wasn’t going to get my vaccine for at least another couple of months but I’m very grateful that this opportunity arose.

More restriction have eased here in the UK and I can’t express how nice it was to give someone a HUG! I’m a hugger, so not being able to smother people in love with cuddles has been torture. It’s nice to see things going to back to a new normal but I’m conscious that we’ve still got a way to go, I’m just happy that I can wander around a bookshop, it’s the small things in life!

I slowly getting back into my reading and have started getting into a better routine than last month. You’ll still find me at my desk at 1am writing blog posts or job applications but things don’t feel as chaotic! Last month I got my sister to pick my TBR and it was lovely seeing her getting involved with one of my passions and she’s even persuaded my to try something new, so stay tuned for more.

I know I say this every month but I want to say thank you to all the wonderful people who continue to support me and this little blog, all your kind words makes me so emotional and it warms my heart to know that people enjoy what I create. I wish I could give you all one big giant hug! Anyway, I’ve got high hopes for June and I hope that you all have a wonderful month filled with love and sunshine.

What You Might Have Missed Last Month:

My Favourite Books With Purple Covers

This or That: Bookish Boyfriend Edition

The Last 10 Books Tag & The Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award

Meeting the Cast of Shadow and Bone (Netflix Virtual Fan Event)

May Wrap Up

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard – It’s my own fault but I went into this book with extremely high expectations and I it breaks my heart to admit it but I was a little disappointed. The world building was so intense that I felt that sometimes it overshadowed the characters and the storyline, I ended up getting so caught up with place names and all the different kingdoms that I wasn’t able to connect enough with everything going on. Nevertheless, I am in love with this band of characters and I’m utterly obsessed with Erida, she is such a complex and unique character and I’m curious to see where the story takes her. Also please can we take a moment to appreciate the map of the Ward, its stunning and one of my favourite fictional maps EVER!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare – It’s taken me five years and endless pestering from my sister but I’ve finally started the Clockwork series! I’ve been putting of reading Chain of Gold and Queen of Air and Darkness because I conscious that I would appreciate the little links and Easter eggs Clare hides in her novels and how this entire world connects. I was also very excited to meet the trio that is Tessa, Will and Jem, I’ve heard nothing but love and praise for these characters and they didn’t disappoint. I am fully obsessed with this series and I can see why my sister loves it so much!

TBR

Every month I set myself a TBR and I don’t think I’ve stuck to any of them this year, whoops! My problem is that my physical TBR is so big that I get distracted by all the wonderful books I want to read, I swear I spend more time planning my reading than actually reading! Which is why I want you to pick my TBR this month! Below is a list of unread books that have been on my TBR for way too long and I need your help to narrow down my choices! I don’t know why I had thought of this idea sooner, and I can’t wait to see which book you pick.

April Wrap Up and May TBR

May 6, 2021

I said this last month but what happened to April? This month has once again been a whirlwind and I feel like I’m constantly playing catch up! I had so many plans for April but in typical Amy fashion everything ended up being bit chaotic and pushed aside.

As many of you know already, I’m one of thousands of publishing hopefuls who are trying their hardest to break into a highly competitive industry and the constant rejection or lack of response is heartbreaking. I like to think of myself as an optimistic and positive person but recently it’s been a struggle trying to remain hopeful and confident in my abilities. It’s been almost two years now since I graduated from University with a degree in English Literature, and although this past year has had its set backs, I’m still at square one and just a little less optimistic than before. At this moment in time I’m fortunate enough to have a job working in retail with wonderful group of ladies who I absolutely adore, however I hoped for more. I don’t plan on giving up on my dreams anytime soon, and I hope that the universe has something epic in store for me soon!

Last month was emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting but I’ve started this month with a new mindset and goal orientated attitude and I’m confident that I’m going to make it a memorable one! My personal aim for May is to find a routine and get myself a little more organised. I’ve been juggling so many different things that I’ve lost track of what’s on my to-do list and what day it is, whoops!

April finally saw the re-opening of lots of non-essential shops including bookshops (I’d argue that books are essential) and I’ve never been so excited to experience a bit of retail-therapy. My poor bank account has taken a bit of a beating this month, but if you can’t treat yourself now, when can you?

The highlight of my month was hands-down the Shadow and Bone adaptation, IT WAS PERFECT! I’m currently on my third re-watch and I think I fall in love with it a little more every time I watch it! I’ve got a dedicated post going up next week where I gush about all of my feelings and how wonderful the entire show was, I can’t stop raving about it and if Netflix doesn’t renew it for more seasons then I quit!

What You Might Have Missed Last Month:

My Favourite Books With Pink Covers | Spring Edition

7 Thing I Want to See in the Shadow and Bone TV Show

Book Recommendations Based Off Your Star Sign

This or That: Book Lovers Edition

April Wrap Up

As for reading, it’s no surprise that I only managed to read ONE book this month! Luckily I’m on track with my reading goals and I hope to have a really productive May.

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo – Nikolai is one of my all-time favourite characters so the chance to spend more time with him and join him on another adventure with some other great characters was perfect! AND that ending, it’s a good thing that I’ve got Rule of Wolves ready and waiting on my bookshelf!

May TBR

When it comes to reading, I’m the bookworm of the family but occasionally my sister will fall into the magical world of reading and go into full-on reader mode! Seriously that girl can read, she managed to read the first two books in the Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L Armentrout in TWO days and I’ve never been prouder! So I thought I’d take advantage of her whilst she’s on this reading sprint and get her to choose my TBR for next month! I’ve brought so many new books recently and I don’t know what to read next, so it’s been great getting an outsiders opinion!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare – This is my sisters all time favourite series and I’ve lost track at how many times I’ve promised her that I’ll read. I really enjoy reading about the vast Shadowhunter world and I’m excited to see what all the fuss is about!

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout – As I mentioned previously, my sister managed to read the first two books in two days and now she needs someone who she can talk about it with and I’m more than happy to fill that role. Everyone has been raving about this series and I feel little bit left out so it’s about time I jumped on the bandwagon!

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon – My sister knows me far too well and told me to pick the book that’s been sitting on my TBR pile for the longest! I received an excerpt of this book years ago and loved it so excited to continue with the rest of the story!

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard – I’ve been going on about this book for weeks so there was no way that I wasn’t going to put this book on my TBR for May.

March Wrap Up and April TBR

April 4, 2021

Well, this month has been a weird one, hasn’t it? On the one hand, I can’t believe it’s already April, but at the same time, I felt like March was never going to end! As I mentioned in my last wrap up, March was going to be a month dedicated to my mental health but this month had other plans! My work life has been chaotic, and I’m finally starting to find some progression within my chosen career. I’ve got all my fingers and toes crossed for other exciting job applications, and I’m sending all the good vibes out into the universe!

I’ve been a little quiet on the blogging scene recently, and I apologise for that. I can’t put my finger on it, but this month has just felt a little odd, and I think the mental impact of this lockdown is hitting me again. The 23rd of March marked a year since the UK started its first Covid-19 lockdown, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! I’m trying my best to remain positive and to focus on all the things I want to do when this lockdown is over! I’m desperate to finally spend some time with my friends and travel around the UK! I’ve already got a trip to Hay-on-Wye planned, and I’m so excited to spend hours wandering around the literary labyrinths and forget about the world.

One massive thing that has been crushing me and my blogging spirit this month is spam blogs. I don’t know about you, but I always get so excited when I receive a notification from WordPress. It’s so heartwarming to know that someone has enjoyed my content and taken a moment out of their day to engage with me, but recently my notifications have been filled with spam, and it’s soul-crushing. The majority of my likes and follows have been from spam blogs that I know haven’t read or are even interested in my content, and it only fuels that horrible feeling of doubt and defeat. I end up focusing entirely on them rather than the wonderful group of people who continue to support me and it makes me question why I put my heart and soul into every post for it fall victim to an overwhelming amount of unwanted spam!

For me, blogging is the perfect creative outlet that helps me channel all my thoughts, ideas and opinions into fun and engaging posts. It’s not about likes or followers but being apart of such a welcoming and heartwarming community that shares the same interests and passions as me. For the last week of March, I took a little break from blogging to just clear my mind, and it really helped! So to all the spam blogs reading, I don’t want to learn how to make money online or any other financial wisdom, I just want to blog about all things books and have fun with my fellow book bloggers!

Anyway, I’m excited for April and ready to embrace everything it throws my way!

What You Might Have Missed Last Month:

The Book Recommendations Book Tag

Greek Myths that Need More Retellings

My Favourite Throwback Reads From My Teens

Meet the Blogger Book Tag

Favourite Books With Green Covers | St Patricks Day

How to Get Over a Book Hangover?

How I Stay Organised & Tips for New Bloggers

March Wrap Up

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo – I wanted to re-read the entire series before the new TV show and before I started King of Scars, and I’m so glad I did because I’d forgotten about a few things. I love this series and the incredible world Bardugo has created and I’ve once again fallen down the rabbit hole that is my Darkling and Nikolai obsession! Also please can we take a moment to freak out about THAT trailer! Everything looks perfect, and I love how they’ve combined the two storylines but I don’t think I’m emotionally prepared for all these characters to meet.

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – These books are SO good! Hannah Donnelly is one of my new favourite characters and I just wish that I’d read this series sooner! Thank you to everyone who recommended this series, I loved it.

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – This was probably my least favourite of the three books but nevertheless I still loved it! As expected this book was a fast-paced intense space adventure pocked with witty one liners and character interactions that had me grinning from ear to ear! I can’t praise this series enough and it deserves all the hype.

April TBR

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited for a monthly TBR before, there are so many amazing books on this list that I can’t wait to read! This book has been all over the blogging scene and it’s about time I see what all the hype is about!

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo – After finishing the Shadow and Bone trilogy, it’s clear that I need some more Nikolai in my life! I’ve already ordered Rule of Wolves as I’m fairly certain that I’m going to want to pick up the second book as soon as I finish this!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – I love these characters SO much! Six of Crows will always be a favourite of mine and I’m eager to experience this action-packed adventure again!

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong – Another book that I’ve been dying to read for ages! A Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, yes please! I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book, so it’s fair to say that I’ve got high expectations!

February Wrap Up and March TBR

March 1, 2021

This month has been a whirlwind. The month started with lots of lighthearted and adorable romantic reads and then A Court of Silver Flames was released and I died. Every time I read Sarah’s books, I give my heart to these characters, and they return it broken, battered and yet filled with more love and wonder than before. Words will never express how much I adore this series and escape that it has granted me. If you want to hear more of my thoughts then I’ll leave a link to my review here!

I loved this book so much but it left me with one of the biggest book hangovers I’ve ever experienced, I was completely and utterly broken and emotionally exhausted. So to distract myself, I finished the month with another character inspired read-a-thon and based my weekly TBR around the fashion icon that is Blair Waldorf. Again this was another really fun and lighthearted reading experience but I think I need to take a couple of weeks off from reading and focus on my own mental health. I’ve discovered that I use reading as an escape and a distraction from my own problems and it’s time to take steps towards overcoming these struggles and facing them head on.

The month of March is not only dedicated to my mental health, but to clearing my bookshelves and reading some of the books that I actually own. I’ve started selling books on Depop but I’ve reached the point where I want them gone, so I’m looking at donating a couple to local charity shops, libraries and friends. These books played a huge part in my teenage years and I want to share their magic with other readers and young people.

I’ve also relaunched my Twitter account and stepped in the wonderfully chaotic world that is #booktwitter! Everyone there is so enthusiastic and lovely, and if you want to follow along then I’ll leave a link to my profile here!

Here in the UK, PM Boris Johnson finally unveiled a roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions across England, so things are looking hopeful and it’s nice to see a light at the end of this tunnel! Hopefully on 12th April, non-essential shops will re-open and I’ll be able to step foot in a bookstore again, and when I do I’m going to treat myself to a BIG bundle of books! I can’t wait! I know it’ll be a while before things go back to ‘normal’ or if they ever will, but this announcement has been a huge mood booster.

Anyway, this month has been a rollercoaster ride, and although I’ve got a lot planned for March, I’m eager to see what this month brings and to start working towards some exciting goals and posts.

Wrap Up

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – I’m a sucker for Christina Lauren, her books never fail to make me smile and are all just super adorable! So far I think this is one of my favourites, the enemies-to-lovers and fake dating trope made this such a fun and lighthearted read.

Josh and Hazels Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren – I well and truly fell down the Christina Lauren rabbit hole this month and had to read another one of her books ASAP! I loved Hazel, she’s quirky, eccentric and a character you just can’t help but love! If you’re looking for a quick and romantic read, then I suggest you give this one a go!

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin – What makes this book special is the magic system and way in which Griffin communicates through seasonal magic. Her descriptions and the way in which magic connects with these characters is intricately detailed and adds an additional layer of wonder to an already captivating story. There’s something beautifully enchanting and equally destructive about this book and its characters, a balance that results in a powerful narrative that will keep readers hooked.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – Everyone’s told me how incredible this series is, and they’re not wrong! Going into it, I was a bit skeptical with format but it ended up being one of my favourite aspects of the entire book! I’m OBSESSED with Kady and Ezra’s relationship and witty back and forth banter they share, I didn’t expect to laugh this much!

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas – It’s no surprise that I’ve fallen utterly in love with this book, it was perfect. Once again, Sarah has crafted an emotionally intense and beautifully perfect masterpiece that has gifted me with a reading experience like no other. These characters mean the world to me, so being able to join them again on another adventure was the ideal escape filled with magic and wonder, and one I wished would never end.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote – I read this as a part of my Blair Waldorf character read-a-thon and you can’t get more Blair Waldorf than Breakfast at Tiffany’s! I really enjoyed this book and it was interesting to get to know a darker and wilder side of Holly Golightly. Capote has a almost lyrical way with words that just make it so easy to read and enjoy!

Play as it Lays by Joan Didion – It’s no secret that I absolutely adore Didion and her writing. I’m slowly making my way through all of her books and read this one as a part of my Blair Waldorf read-a-thon. As expected I loved it and it’s clear why it’s on TIMES list of best novels.

Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn – I finished the month off with bit of Bridgerton! I’m slowly making my way through this series and really enjoyed watching Penelope and Colin’s relationship blossom. The second book will always be my favourite but this was still a lighthearted and romantic read and I can’t wait to hopefully see more of their relationship in season 2!

Mrs Dalloway by Virgina Woolf – When I read To the Lighthouse I thought I was missing something, everyone raved about her writing was but I struggled to connect with it. But then I read Mrs Dalloway and I now I see it. Mrs. Dalloway is a complex, compelling novel that enters into the consciousness and hearts of it’s characters and one that witnesses the battle between sanity and insanity. I loved it!

TBR

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – I don’t plan on reading much this month, but this series is at the top of my TBR! I flew through the first book so I’m fairly confident that devour this one too!

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – There’s no way I’m not finishing this series this month. I’m too invested and I need to know what happens to these characters.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern – I’ve really been craving some of Morgenstern’s magic and I think it’s about time I tick this one off the TBR pile! The Night Circus is one of my all time favourite reads, so it’s fair to say that I’m going into this with high expectations.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – After Netflix dropped that trailer for the upcoming series, I knew I had to re-read both Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows! Word’s can’t describe how excited I am for this series to hit our screens, and for these characters and Bardugo’s wonderful Grishaverse to come to life. Transporting this world from page to screen isn’t a small feat but such responsibility has been embraced by executive producers Eric Heisserer and Shawn Levy, with Leigh Bardugo also on board as a producer. I have total and utter faith that this adaptation will stay true to the books and will successfully embody everything we as the fans cherish in this series.