January 2021 – Monthly Book Wrap Up

January 31, 2021February 2, 2021 innah9610 Comments

Welcome to the January Book Wrap Up!

I can’t believe that January is gone and it’s time for a January Wrap Up. To be quite honest, it doesn’t feel like 2020 is over yet. I don’t feel like we are now in a new year. However, I’m quite excited to see what February has to bring.

Rating Stats

I read 7 books in total. I ended up giving 1 5-star rating, 5 4-star ratings and 1 3-star rating.

Books I read in January:

~ To read my book reviews – click on the book titles! 🙂

✨ 1. Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy – ★★★★★

A girl moves to London, and some girls she meets end up attacked and murdered. When she realises that they all look a lot like her, she knows she’s in danger as well.

If you love YA thrillers, with horror elements and supernatural moments, don’t miss this one. This trope is now on my books. It might even be my favorite genre if my next reads are good as well. Cynthia Murphy as an author is also now on my list. I will make sure to read the next book she writes! I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 2. Our Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent – ★★★★

Three brothers, and one of them is now dead. Through the years they were all rivals, and now we get to know their secrets, and why one of them was murdered.

Our Little Cruelties is the perfect thriller to make you wonder how dysfunctional your family is. It is gripping and dark from the very first pages, and keeps this atmosphere until the very end. I loved it and I definitely suggest you pick it up.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 3. Keeper by Jessica Moor – ★★★★

When a body of a woman is found dead in a river, the police assumes it’s a suicide. But the women from the refuge center where she worked think it’s a murder. A thriller about a crime investigation, and domestic violence victims.

Beautiful fast-paced thriller that you can’t put down, with amazing plot twists and topics so unfortunately common and infuriating! I definitely recommend it, you won’t be able to forget Keeper easily.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 4. The Push by Ashley Audrain – ★★★★

When Blythe has her first child, she hopes history won’t repeat itself and she gives Violet all the love! But something is not right and Blythe is the only one that can notice. When even her husband doesn’t believe her, and awful things start happening, her whole life is in jeopardy. Blythe will try anything to save her marriage, and get Violet to love her…

I stayed up all night, flipping pages and I loved that! The short chapters and the many plot twists are what made The Push unputdownable for me. The Push was a very interesting and dark psychological thriller. Extremely fast-paced and full of plot twists. If you are looking for something to keep you on your toes, look no further.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 5. The Glass House by Eve Chase – ★★★

The Glass House tells a lovely tale about how secrets can connect two completely different families. And also how fate can reunite them. Written in two different timelines and different characters, we slowly uncover all the secrets people have kept over the years.

The Glass House was a very good book, and I enjoyed it a lot. However, it lacked some mystery elements, which was the main reason I picked it up. I still enjoyed the family drama and secrets element, but it lacked suspense, and I could predict all the plot twists. The writing was beautiful though, and it kept me entertained until I finished it.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 6. Badass Habits by Jen Sincero – ★★★★

If you want to form new badass habits, or replace your old bad habits, this is definitely the book you need! Through a step-by-step guide over 21 days, you will be in a completely different mindset and will be ready to tackle anything coming your way.

I only went in with the intention to start drinking water more consistently, and I managed to achieve so much more! I feel like a completely different person and a much healthier one.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 7. We Played With Fire by Catherine Barter – ★★★★

Maggie has witnessed impossible things. But no one believes her, and now her family has taken her away to spend the winter upstate in a remote, freezing farmhouse.

Bored and angry, Maggie and her younger sister Kate start to play tricks: rapping on the floorboards above their parents’ bedroom, cracking their toes under the table, and telling tales about noises in the night. Then the house starts to make sounds of its own. Neither Maggie nor Kate can explain it, but it seems as though someone – or something – is trying to speak to them…

The perfect eerie book to give you the shivers and transport you to a 19th century. Imagine an old house full of candles and knocking sounds coming out of nowhere. If you love horror and ghost stories of the past, pick up We Played With Fire today!

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

And that is my January Wrap up! How was your January Wrap Up? How many books did you read? Let me know! I love reading your comments!

The Glass House by Eve Chase [BOOK REVIEW]

January 30, 2021 innah961 Comment

★★★

I am so glad I got the chance to read The Glass House by Eve Chase! I read it for a readalong, alongside some amazing people! It was a very good book, and I enjoyed it a lot. However, it lacked some mystery elements, which was the main reason I picked it up.

Synopsis

When the Harrington family discovers an abandoned baby deep in the woods, they decide to keep her a secret and raise her as their own.

But within days a body is found in the grounds of their house and their perfect new family implodes.

Years later, Sylvie, seeking answers to nagging questions about her life, is drawn into the wild, beautiful woods where nothing is quite what it seems.

My Thoughts:

The Glass House is a well written drama with a couple of mysterious elements. Through a couple of characters and two different timelines, we discover how two families end up connected to each other, and what secrets they have been keeping over the years.

It was very easy for me to get into this book, as the writing is captivating and colourful. I started to connect the dots very early and from then on, I was more and more curious to see what direction the story will take.

I loved Rita, the nanny. She was the one person in the book I truly cared about and I really wanted the best for her. I was invested in the other characters as well – they were all likeable in their own way and I enjoyed getting to know them better. However, apart from Rita, no one else made a huge impact on me.

The story and the development were set up very nicely.

I could predict almost all plot twists way before they happened, which was slightly disappointing. I was expecting more thriller elements, as there is a murder involved, but that wasn’t quite the case. The focus was on secrets and family drama, and this part managed to keep me entertained. There was a slight lack of suspense though.

The Glass House tells a lovely tale about how secrets can connect two completely different families. And also how fate can reunite them. It was gripping and full of family secrets and drama. If you are looking for the next murder mystery or suspenseful thriller, this is not it. But if you love a good story with likeable characters and a lot of family secrets buried in the past, you will definitely enjoy this one!

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

Book Review · Books

Badass Habits by Jen Sincero [BOOK REVIEW]

January 29, 2021January 29, 2021 innah961 Comment

★★★★

Badass Habits by Jen Sincero is truly a remarkable book! I was reading it as part of a month-long readalong with some amazing people, where we all were forming some badass habits. We even had Jen Sincero herself in our chat, as well as for a Live session on Instagram. Huge thank you to Tandem Collective and John Murray Press for organising this!

Badass Habits

“Our thoughts become our words, our words become our beliefs, our beliefs become our habits, and our habits become our realities.”

My Thoughts:

I will be honest with you, I am not a huge fan of self-help books. I find them very preachy, and quite often, I cannot relate to them, and end up with no outcome. But reading Badass Habits was such a different experience. I started reading it only with the goal to drink water more consistently, and I have managed to achieve so much more!

Now I exercise daily, eat healthier food, drink water regularly and have also stopped biting my nails. I even started baking more often as well, and lost weight. Honestly, I feel like a completely different person!

I loved Badass Habits because it’s not one of those preachy books. It actually contained so many practical examples and real-life tips that I could relate to so well. It focused mainly on how a habit is formed and how we can use that knowledge to make new (better) habits and replace bad ones with badass ones. Now, I feel like I have had these new habits all my life – they feel so natural to me, and that is what allows me to be able to take on new habits again, and keep improving.

My favourite part was the part about excuses.

We know ourselves the best and we can predict what excuses we are about to create for ourselves on this journey. And having this information, we can change our circumstances and not allow room for any excuses. This bit helped me so much! I could think of so many silly excuses that I have used often in the past. For example, I would skip an exercise because my favourite sports bra was not washed. So I got myself three more pairs of my favorite sports bra, so I can have one ready every day, while the other ones are being washed. Now I eliminated that possibility of an excuse, and it actually worked. I haven’t skipped a workout since I started reading this book. It’s so interesting what your mind can do, when you set it up for success.

Badass Habits is a great book to challenge you to tackle on a new habit, or change a bad one for a better one in 21 days. It’s perfect for a “new year, new me”, but is also one of those books that will be useful to have with you at all times. There were many motivating quotes inside, that will bring enthusiasm, even though at some points, I wish more scientific knowledge and examples were included. I definitely recommend it, if you’re looking for a book to prompt you to change your life for the better, one habit at a time.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

Book Review · Books

The Push by Ashley Audrain [BOOK REVIEW]

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021 innah963 Comments

★★★★

I read The Push by Ashley Audrain as part of a global readalong. Huge thank you to tandem and to Michael J Books, for sending me a hardcover copy of this book so I can join the readalong. The Push really intrigued me from the very first start and it was one of those books I devoured in a day, needing to know the next chapter. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, it will not let you down.

Synopsis:

Blythe is afraid that history will repeat itself when her first child, Violet, is born. Having a complicated relationship with her own mother, she is dedicated to give all the love and attention to Violet.

But Violet is not an easy child, and something is not right. She doesn’t smile at all, and no matter how much Blythe tried, Violet seems to not like her at all. Blythe’s husband, Fox, is certain that Blythe is just imagining this. But he cannot understand what Blythe has experienced as a child.

Fighting a battle that she might never be able to win, Blythe is on the verge of losing her daughter, her family, her husband, her marriage, and everything she does seems to be wrong. Is her child really evil, or is she just being delusional?

My Thoughts:

The Push was certainly a different book, unlike anything else I’ve read. Many people in our group have compared it to “We Need To Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver, because of the style of writing. I haven’t read that one, so I couldn’t compare it, but it’s definitely on my radar now.

The Push is written in a first person perspective, where Blythe is telling her story to her husband, Fox. There are also parts in the book where we follow the stories of Blythe’s mother and Blythe’s grandmother. These parts help us learn more about those relationships and help us understand Blythe better, as well how her childhood plays a part in her relationship with her daughter, Violet.

The relationship between Blythe and Violet was presented in such a unique way, full of anxiety. Their interactions made me uncomfortable many times, but I enjoyed that. It’s not often that a book can push me out of comfort zone like that and I hope to find more books like this in the future. I am not a mother myself, but this book might be a hard read for parents. Especially during certain scenes, I could barely read chapters without taking a break.

The short chapters and the many plot twists are what made The Push unputdownable for me.

I was staying up all night, flipping pages and I loved that. I mostly felt for Blythe, because of what she was going through. no one should have to experience that and she should have received more support from her husband. However, there were also instances where she was neglecting Violet as a child and I wonder whether this had any consequences to Violet’s personality later on, as well as her development.

I loved the suspense of The Push, as well as the fact that we can never truly trust Blythe to tell us the truth, because this is her story, but it may not necessarily be completely true. The only part that I wanted more of was the ending. It didn’t finish as concluded as I’d hoped, but that’s just my personal preference. I also hoped to see Violet’s point of view, as well as what was going on through the husband’s mind – I feel like this might have brought more plot twists, or make people choose sides and discuss this.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Push.

It was a very interesting and dark psychological thriller. Extremely fast-paced and full of plot twists. If you are looking for something to keep you on your toes, look no further.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

Books · Monthly Tags

January TBR – The TBR Raffle

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 innah96Leave a comment

Hello, lovelies!

Welcome to the January TBR! I always love January, because I love planning, and I also love making stats about my reading from the previous year. This January, I was quite busy, so I am still catching up with my stats, but I did enjoy playing my TBR Raffle Game and choosing my books for the month.

December was a very interesting month, and I ended up reading a lot of Christmas books and books that I was sure I’d enjoy.

You probably already know this, but just a reminder that I share my current reading updates on my Instagram posts and stories, so don’t forget to follow my Instagram to see what I am reading at any given time during this month. And this month, there will be a lot of surprises there as well, which you don’t want to miss.

And with that being said, let the January TBR raffle commence.

The January TBR Raffle

I am filming my TBRs on my Instagram Stories. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, and check out the “Monthly TBR” highlight at the beginning of each month!

My TBR Raffle game is simple: I have a number of prompts that I put in small papers, into a jar. I draw a prompt, and I fit in a book that matches my prompt. Here is a list of the current prompts I have. Feel free to leave any prompt suggestions in the comments. Once the paper is drawn, I put it back into the jar, so it has an equal chance to get drawn again. I draw a total of 6 prompts, which result in 6 books for the month. If I fail to read a book, it automatically goes into the next month.

My January TBR

✨ 1. 5 Star Prediction

Keeper by Jessica Moor is a book that I feel I will really enjoy, which is why I chose for my 5 star prediction prompt. I am currently in the mood for thrillers, and you will notice a trend this month as well.

Synopsis:

When Katie Straw’s body is pulled from the waters of the local suicide spot, the police decide it’s an open-and-shut case. A standard-issue female suicide.

But the residents of Widringham women’s refuge where Katie worked don’t agree. They say it’s murder.

Will you listen to them?

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 2. Gift

I am so happy to be picking this book up in January, because it already means so much to me. My high-school teacher recommended this book to me, and my boyfriend bought it for me back in November for my birthday, because I wouldn’t stop talking about it. The synopsis sounds so intriguing, and I am really looking forward to reading this one!

Synopsis:

Discover the forty rules of love…

Ella Rubinstein has a husband, three teenage children, and a pleasant home. Everything that should make her confident and fulfilled. Yet there is an emptiness at the heart of Ella’s life – an emptiness once filled by love.

So when Ella reads a manuscript about the thirteenth-century Sufi poet Rumi and Shams of Tabriz, and his forty rules of life and love, her world is turned upside down. She embarks on a journey to meet the mysterious author of this work.

It is a quest infused with Sufi mysticism and verse, taking Ella and us into an exotic world where faith and love are heartbreakingly explored…

Purchase Links:
| Amazon UK | Amazon US |

✨ 3. Borrowed

To be honest, when borrowed pops up, there is only one person that I borrow books from, and that’s my sister. So the genre and the titles are usually YA fantasy and/or romance. Ever since I read The Bane Chronicles, which is a collection of short stories featuring Magnus Bane, I wanted to read Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy. This book is a collection of short stories featuring mostly Simon. I love the Shadowhunter series, even though I read them a long time ago. I actually think it’s time for me to re-read them soon as well.

Synopsis:

Ten stories with brand new illustrations following the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Simon has been a human and a vampire, but after the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, he isn’t sure who he is any more. When the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. Whomever this Simon might be…

Purchase Links:
| Amazon UK |Amazon US |

✨ 4. Sent by Author

I wish this prompt came up more often, as I do have a bit of a backlist of titles that authors have sent me. And this time, I am choosing After the Last Battle by Matthew Moss.

Synopsis:

In a post-apocalyptic world, where the Hordes of Hell reign supreme, the only thing anyone could ask for is peace and quiet. Having lived his entire life in a secluded village, Telarious has had exactly that, yet for him it was misery. Bored of his monotonous life as a hunter, Telarious looked for any chance of conflict, so that he might prove himself to be more.

When a band of demons tear through his village in search of an angel in hiding, one of the last of the nearly extinct species, his wish is granted tenfold. This one act reveals Telarious’s hidden potential and sends him and his new angelic counterpart into a neighboring colony, where the struggle for power rages on.

In over their heads, the two must learn to work together and with new, powerful allies to defeat the demons that have claimed Earth as their own.

Purchase Links:
| Amazon UK |Amazon US |

✨ 5. Mystery

Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy is a book that is being published in January. Also one that I am very excited about. I am also participating in a blog tour for it, and my review will be up on the 14th January. Spoiler – I already read it and it’s a 5 star.

Synopsis:

Young, brunette women are being attacked in the city of London.

16-year-old, Irish-born Niamh has just arrived for the summer, and quickly discovers that the girls being attacked look frighteningly similar to her.

Determined to make it through her Drama Course, Niamh is placed at the Victorian Museum to put her drama skills to the test, and there she meets Tommy: he’s kind, fun, attentive, and really hot! . . . Nonetheless, there’s something eerie about the museum.

As the two strands of present-day serial attacker and sinister Victorian history start to collide, Niamh realises that things are not as they seem. Will she be next?

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

✨ 6. Instagram Pick

Well, I asked Instagram, and Instagram chose Fled by Meg Keneally for me.

Synopsis:

Gayle is a highly successful and motivated business woman, but her success has come at a price – she hasn’t spoken to her daughters, Ella and Samantha, for years. But when Gayle has an accident at work, she realises she needs to make amends with her family.

And so she invites herself to join Ella and Samantha for their Christmas in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The sisters are none too pleased that their mother has inserted herself into their Christmas plans. They have each other – and don’t need their mother back in their lives. Or so they think…

As they embark on their first family Christmas together in years, will the three women learn that sometimes facing up to a few home truths is all you need to heal your heart?

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US |

And that’s my January TBR. There are only 6 books in here, which means I will most probably be reading more. Keep an eye on my blog posts and social media. And wish me luck! <3
Make sure to follow me on Instagram, so you can stay up to date with my current updates during the month.
What is your January TBR? Let me know in the comments!