Every year I set myself a reading challenge on GoodReads (if you’re an avid reader, and don’t yet use GoodReads, it will genuinely change your life). I don’t do this to ‘beat’ my number from the previous year, I do it purely to track how many books I can read in a year, and it helps to keep me on the reading train. This year I set my target at 30, which means I need to read another 7, before the year is out, to hit it. With that number in mind, these are the 7 books I’m hoping to read before we ring in 2025 in 9 weeks time (I can only apologise for the amount of numbers I’ve used here, and also for pointing out that there’s only 9 weeks of the year left - ew).
TEDDY BY EMILY DUNLAY:
The cover art is giving 80’s Jilly Cooper (and not in a good way), but the blurb is giving old Hollywood glamour and drama, and I cannot wait to get stuck in. I’ve seen a few comparisons to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (aka one of the best books I’ve ever read) so I’m very intrigued to see how this one’s going to pan out.
GOLD RUSH BY EMILY PETTER:
The Independent described Gold Rush as ‘one to put on your summer books list right now’, and we might be hurtling towards winter in the UK, but my beach holiday is finally on the horizon, and this sounds like the perfect read to accompany it. One to add to your list if you like celebrity/pop culture.
IMPOSTER SYNDROME BY JOSEPH KNOX:
I’ve been waiting patiently for a new Joseph Knox read since the summer of 2021, when True Crime Story blew my mind, so to say I’m excited about Imposter Syndrome would be an understatement. Following the story of a conman, who somehow ends up impersonating an heiress’ missing brother - I truly cannot wait to gain whiplash from all the twists and turns.
SHY CREATURES BY CLARE CHAMBERS:
I read Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers a few years ago, after falling in love with the cover (yes, I absolutely judge books by their covers, and you’re a liar if you say you don’t do the same), and ended up loving her writing just as much, so I’m thrilled she’s back with Shy Creatures. As someone who identifies as a shy creature, I feel like this book was made for me.
THE END OF SUMMER BY CHARLOTTE PHILBY:
Another one that sounds perfect for my trip, The End of Summer looks right up my street. There’s truly nothing I love more than a good, pacey thriller - even better when it’s set across different timelines, & locations.
HONEYBEE BY DAWN O’PORTER:
I am obsessed with Dawn O’Porter & her writing. I’ve read just about every book she’s released, and they’re all warm, relatable and oh so funny - they just feel super cosy. I read her last book, Cat Lady, in January 2023, so I know her books are the perfect reads to hunker down with in the colder months.
WE SOLVE MURDERS BY RICHARD OSMAN:
Another of my favourite cosy authors; Richard Osman. His ‘Thursday Murder Club’ series is one of my favourites, and I’ve no doubt that ‘We Solve Murders’ will be up there too. He usually releases his books in September, but I always save them to read over my Christmas break, because they’re just the perfect reads for it.
My TBR list is never ending, but I’ll stop there before my target of 7 becomes 70. What’s on your winter reading list? & what was your favourite summer read? I know I’ve said I’ll stop at 7…but let’s pretend that my holiday reading list is a separate entity! Let’s chat in the comments x
Ooo, thanks for the reccs, Faye :) "We Solve Murders" is the only one I've read so far. It was fun and very much in the vein of his other series, just with a bit more action.
Fav summer read was maybe "How to Age Disgracefully" by Clare Pooly. Fun and light. Or my re-read of "Cherry Robbers" by Sarai Walker.
On my TBR winter list is "Victorian Psycho" by Virginia Feito, "We'll Prescribe You a Cat" by Syou Ishida (translated by E. Madison Shimoda) & "The Most Famous Girl in the World" Iman Hariri-Kia.
Love a book list! God of the woods by Liz Moore is a brilliant propulsive literary thriller and would be a great beach read, and other end of the spectrum - if you're still into the romance genre - Emily Henry is a safe bet for a holiday read!