One of my goals this year is to get back into reading—because, since Little Bean was born, finishing a book feels like a major achievement! I’ve set myself the challenge of reading eight books in 2025, and I’ll be sharing my thoughts along the way. Some will be parenting-related, others just for fun, but all will be books that made me think, laugh, or at least keep me awake past 9 pm.😂

List of Books Read: Jump straight to the book you’re interested in:

1. Book 1: Kinder sind ein Geschenk, aber ein Wellness Gutschein hätt’s auch getan. (Read January 2025)
2. Book 2: Things we never got over (Read Feb 2025)
3. Book 3: Nothing Stays Buried (Read March 2025)
4. Book 4: Things we hide from the light (Read March 2025)
5. Book 5: Things we left behind (Read May 2025)
6. Book 6: Love and Human Errors (Read July 2025)
7. Book 7
8. Book 8

📚 Why am I doing this? Reading has always been something I’ve loved, but like many parents, I’ve struggled to make time for it (apart from Peppa Pig and Where’s Spot? 😂). This is my way of carving out a bit of ‘me-time’ while also picking up books that might offer new perspectives—on parenting, life, or just as a much-needed escape. Since my blog focuses on the realities of motherhood, parenting struggles, and self-care, I’ll also be sharing thoughts and takeaways that might be useful (or at least entertaining) for other mums.

📖 What to expect Each book reflection will be short, honest, and chatty, covering: ✔️ What the book is about ✔️ What I liked (or didn’t!) ✔️ Any ideas that stood out or made me think ✔️ Whether I’d recommend it (and who might enjoy it)

👀 Follow my reading journey If you’re curious about my reading challenge, you can check out my original post about my goal to read 8 books in 2025.

Got any book recommendations? Let me know—I’d love to hear what’s been worth staying up late for!

Happy reading! ✨

📖 First book of 2025: “Kinder sind ein Geschenk, aber ein Wellness-Gutschein hätt’s auch getan”

In January, I read Kinder sind ein Geschenk, aber ein Wellness-Gutschein hätt’s auch getan (English: “Children are a gift, but a spa-day voucher would’ve been just fine”) by Sabine Bode, a witty (and occasionally sharp-tongued) take on modern parenting.

The chapters on pregnancy and newborns had me nodding, laughing, and occasionally cringing in recognition. The awkwardness of antenatal classes, the comparison trap at baby groups, the tiny details we obsessed over as new mums… yep, been there. Bode has a knack for putting into words what we’ve all secretly thought but don’t always say out loud, and it’s refreshing to see the chaos of parenting laid out so unapologetically.

But as the book moved into parenting older kids, I couldn’t relate as much yet, as we’re not there in our parenting. Also, I caught myself thinking… oh no, am I turning into one of those weird parents? Her humour thrives on strong opinions and exaggerated stereotypes, which can be hilarious but, at times, felt a little more judgmental than insightful.

That said, it was a fun and relatable read, especially for parents of babies and toddlers who need a reminder that they’re not alone in the madness. If you enjoy sarcasm and social critique, this book will definitely make you laugh (and occasionally wince).

📖 Book #2 of 2025: “Things We Never Got Over”

This February, I picked up this novel by Lucy Score, and I’m so glad I did! She might just become one of my favorite current authors!

In this first book in the ‘Knockemouth series’, I enjoyed following the characters’ development and struggles with building meaningful relationships. It felt very relatable and prompted me to think about my own friendship and partnership. I have to admit, the sprinkling of tingly erotic scenes definitely added a fun layer to reading the story! But it was the deeper message that stuck with me the most: the importance of going all in with your heart, loving with all of who you are, and showing up fully for the people you love.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to give our relationships the attention they deserve, but this book is a reminder that love is about quality, not just quantity.

So, if you’re looking for a read that’s equal parts heartfelt, entertaining and thoughtful, Things We Never Got Over might be just what you need!

📖 Book #3 of 2025: “Nothing Stays Buried”

Another solid instalment in the Monkeewrench series! I really enjoy these books, and this one didn’t disappoint. I had a feeling about how things might turn out, but the suspense kept me hooked right through to the end. One of the things I love most about the series is seeing how the characters continue to grow with each book.

This time, what stood out to me was how the different couples and friends in the story show love and connection in their own ways. There’s no big drama or over-the-top romance, just quiet trust, shared humour, and the reassurance of being able to count on each other. It reminded me how important that kind of steady support really is, especially when life gets messy.

I also found myself reflecting on how the characters are allowed to be both strong and vulnerable. They feel scared, make mistakes, and still carry on. That mix of resilience and real emotion really resonated with me. It’s something I’m definitely learning to embrace more in motherhood, too.

So, if you like a good crime series with solid characters, emotional depth and just the right amount of tension, this one’s worth picking up.

📖 Book #4 of 2025: “Things we hide from the light”

I didn’t feel quite as pulled in to the second book in Lucy Score’s Knockemout series as I was with the first. This one jumps into some steamy scenes pretty quickly, before I’d had a chance to really get to know the characters,so I found it harder to connect with them at first.

That said, there’s a meaningful emotional journey underneath the heat. Both characters are carrying scars from the past and struggling to let anyone truly in. On the surface, they seem strong, confident, even unshakeable. But underneath, they’re scared of being vulnerable. The story unpacks what it means to trust, to open up, and to admit what you really want and need from love.

For me, the big takeaway was this: before you can build something real with someone else, you have to know and trust yourself enough to let your guard down. Appearances can be deceiving, and it’s only when we stop hiding behind them that real connection is actually possible.

I’d say this is a good pick if you’re in the mood for something emotional, sexy, and ultimately hopeful – especially if you’re already invested in the world of Knockemout!

📖 Book #5 of 2025: Things We Left Behind

OK, I admit it. I was sucked into the Knockemout series and couldn’t wait to read the third one! This book felt a bit heavier than the others. The emotions ran deeper, the past traumas were more intense, and the sex scenes were definitely a little more full on than I expected. It wasn’t quite the light, feel-good read I was hoping for, and I didn’t connect with the main couple as much as in the first book.

That said, there was something I really appreciated. I loved that the main character, a quiet, bookish librarian, wasn’t painted as the stereotypical shy girl who fades into the background. She’s strong, smart, has amazing friendships, and gets to have wildly passionate sex! That mix of brains, depth, and desire felt surprisingly empowering to read.

So, while this one didn’t become a personal favourite, it still had its moments. If you’re already into the Knockemout world and are curious to see the final love story unfold, it’s worth reading. Just don’t expect a cosy bedtime read. This one comes with more emotional weight, more fire, and a bit of a punch!

📖 Book #6 of 2025: Love and Other Human Errors

This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. At around page 100, I caught myself thinking, “Oh no…” The love story was already kind of predictable, and I wasn’t really feeling connected to the main character. But I stuck with it, and I’m actually really glad I did!

What made the book worth it for me was Lina. She’s a working mum with a nursery-age child, still breastfeeding, and trying desperately to balance family life and her career. I recognised so much of myself in her. That stretched, torn feeling, trying to be everything to everyone, and slowly realising that maybe we’re chasing the wrong things.

What really stayed with me was this reminder: so much of what we get worked up about and treat like it’s life-or-death important just isn’t. In the end, it’s about family, friendships, love. The people who really matter. Lina’s journey shows that clearly, and it hit home more than I expected.

Also, I found myself thinking about how to be a better partner and friend. Not in big, dramatic ways, but in the tiny, thoughtful moments. (Yes, orange peel theory, I see you.)

The book, written by Bethany Clift, is a fairly easy read. Not one that completely swept me away, but one I’m glad I read. It was a quiet nudge back to what really counts.