Sunday Summary – 26th July 2026

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Good afternoon everyone! I’m drafting this a little earlier than usual for today’s Sunday Summary as I’m having friends around this evening. Needless to say, I won’t be getting any additional reading done. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a good catch up, and I can’t wait to see how my friends have been doing.

But what have I been doing? That’s what you’re here to learn. I’ve managed to get some reading done this week, which is a bonus given I’ve had some reading obligations to take care of. On top of that, I have enjoyed learning and swearing at my new knitting machine 🤣 it’s an experience I have to say… 

On the blog, I’ve shared a Top Ten Tuesday about books that live in my head rent free (basically, I think about them a lot). Then, my most recent blog post went live yesterday. That post was my blog tour review of House of Twisted Shadows by J.H. Mann. 

Books Read

House of Twisted Shadows

Naturally, with a blog tour obligation this week, reading House of Twisted Shadows was my main priority. This book over the course of the week, between getting excited to test out my knitting machine amongst other obligations. You’ll be pleased to know I finish this book well in time to put together my blog to review post. If you haven’t checked that out already, you can do so here. 

A Painkiller to Die For

Another blog tour obligation is rapidly approaching! My review for A Painkiller to Die For is due on the 28th of July. The good news for you is that you don’t have long to wait to hear my thoughts on this book. The ‘bad’ news for me is that I’m only just starting to read it.

Jesting aside, i’m looking forward to getting into this one properly. And, it’s a relatively short book meaning it shouldn’t take me too long to get through to the interesting aspect of the narrative. I have some suspicions already from the synopsis of how this may pan out. In a way, I hope I can be surprised though.

More to follow on this one in just a couple of days, so hang tight. 

Empire of Storms

I had hoped to hit Empire of Storms a little harder this week. However, as of drafting this Sunday’s Summary post, I have listened to just three hours this week.

We’re now fast approaching the end of July, so I need to step up with progress in order to finish the audiobook before the end of the month. Was my being on track with this book and series short-lived? Quite possibly! However, I am nothing if not capable of pulling things out of the bag last minute. I’m going out of my way more to do my own thing at the gym, so that is opportunity every day for some listening time. Not only that, but some nights I listened before bed as well. 

Is it doable? Yes! Will I manage it? … We’ll see! 

Books Discovered 

Sorry to disappoint, but my wallet remains happy and my TBR is still going in the right direction (down!)

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

Here are the books I will be reading in the next seen days. At minimum…

  • ‼️Read A Painkiller to Die For – review due 28th July
  • ❗️Read Duel of Beasts – review due 2nd August
  • Finish Empire of Storms – take your bets on whether I complete before the end of July now! 

Blog

Next week on the block is going to be a busy one! As you will have already gathered from earlier content in this Sunday Summary post, I have a blog tour review due on Tuesday, the 28th of July for A Painkiller to Die For. 

Next, I’ll return with a Friday feature post, this time a  First Lines Friday. To be honest, priority is going towards focusing on my review reads. Therefore, I’m not going to set any form of challenge or task that’s going to make selection more difficult. Instead, I’ll do what takes my fancy on the day… 

Next Sunday, my review is due for Duel of Beasts. Obviously this conflicts with my usual Sunday Summary post. In order to give that blog to book full priority, that will go live first thing on Sunday morning. I will still draft my Sunday Summary, but this will go live at a minute past midnight on Monday morning.

Summary

Thanks for reading today’s Sunday Summary instalment! I hope you’ve enjoyed catching up with me and my current reads.

What audiobook are you listening to right now? Do you have any reading deadlines coming up? 

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Blog Tour Review: House of Twisted Shadows – J.H. Mann

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If you are interested in a mystery novel with ties to World War II history, look no further! House of Twisted Shadows is different from other books I’ve read in its genre. With a bleak, sinister setting and a dark past to revisit, it’s an atmospheric read to cosy in with.

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, J.H. Mann for the opportunity to read and review House of Twisted Shadows. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Let’s check out the details, synopsis, (and purchase links if you want to get a copy yourself), then I can get to the fun part of the review!

House of Twisted Shadows – J.H. Mann

Genre: Mystery Thriller 

Pages: 344

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Dark Spider Books 

Original Publication Date: 24 July 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – House of Twisted Shadows

House of Twisted Shadows

A HOUSE ON THE EDGE
A DAUGHTER DRIVEN TO OBSESSION
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Winter 1962. Amelia Tremayne has spent the past ten years in London trying to forget the lonely clifftop house where her father was killed. Tyler House was built shortly before the Second World War on Cornwall’s stormy coast by a wealthy German outsider. Its most unsettling feature is a vast glass dome that bends the light, casting twisted, elongated shadows across the walls.

Amelia’s father, Douglas Tremayne, a noted historian, was researching a controversial book about Tyler House’s Nazi origins – and its links to powerful figures in the local community.

As Amelia begins to uncover the truth about her father’s death, she is pulled into a web of buried secrets – and into a forbidden love that could destroy everything she holds dear.

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY

Praise for J.H.Mann:

‘Powerful, evocative and steeped in atmosphere – J.H. Mann vividly brings Cornwall’s wild, haunting landscape and its legends to life’ – Margaret James, bestselling author of the Denham Family Sagas

‘Vivid details of the landscape, eroding cliffs and crumbling house…the tension grips you and the atmospheric setting of Tyler House draws you in’ – Cheshire Novel Prize

Purchase Links – Amazon UK   Amazon US

My Thoughts…

Plot

What I really enjoyed about House of Twisted Shadows is that a thriller and mystery plot line is combined with World War II history. It’s a subject I love reading about, and it was the main reason I chose to pick up house of twisted shadows in the first place. As ideas go, it’s pretty unique. This is the first book I’ve read of its type, and I’d happily devour more! 

I enjoyed uncovering the truth behind Tyler House and its previous occupants. what makes this even more enjoyable is that it is somewhat based true fact. How many such places were built on Britain’s Shores? Is their past as nefarious as that in House of Twisted Shadows?

Characters

Amelia’s an interesting character. Coming back to the place her world fell apart, she’s determined to revisit her past to uncover the truth. Truly, I enjoyed such a bright spark in this eerie, atmospheric setting. 

Not all characters in House of Twisted Shadows are as easy to get behind though. Sinister plots and machinations abound, both in history, and present day, to thwart Amelia’s aims. Not that we necessarily know who they are. As a community, the locals are a little guarded. Only Aidan, an ex, and Edith, a dear friend, care at all for Amelia’s welfare. 

Setting

Tyler House, sat on a bleak clifftop in Cornwall lives up to it history. Desolate, bleak and shut off from the rest of the world in the height of winter, Amelia has only the shadows from her past for company. 

As somebody who lives in a relatively small town community herself, I appreciated the vibe and overall setting we get in House of Twisted Shadows. In a community where tongues wag over every piece of invented gossip to keep things entertaining (it’s the only thing to do for miles after all!), it’s very familiar and immersive. 

Thrown into this relatively close knit and small community, Amelia is a bit of an outsider. Daughter of the famous historian who ruffled some feathers in his day, she was unlikely to get locals on side. She is trying to dig up the past, and if she finds out what her father was working on in the days leading up to his death, it will spell trouble. 

Narrative Style

As with any mystery, timing and execution of the big reveal plot twist is essential. House of Twisted Shadows pulls this off perfectly. Rather than one definitive twist at the end, we are treated to multiple reveals throughout the plot line that help give us a bigger picture of what happened all those years ago. Amelia is in for a rollercoaster ride. She came back to this small town to find out the truth of what happened to her father. Is she equipped to deal with the truths she uncovers?

This book reads really easily. Suitable for all levels of reader, this approachable writing style makes the storyline accessible to all to enjoy! In terms of pace, it’d also a pretty quick read. With something new happening in every chapter, it’s fast-paced and pretty compulsively readable too. 

Summary

House of Twisted Shadows is a unique book for its subject. Even if you aren’t such a World War II fiction fan as I am, the intrigue behind the storyline and events that happened all those years ago are captivating enough to hold your attention. 

Bold, unique, and somewhat poetic in execution, the mysteries of Tyler House slowly yield to Amelia’s tenacity. Is all as it first appears? Only you can find out yourself by picking up House of Twisted Shadows and unraveling the mystery yourselves! 

Author Bio

J.H.Mann is an award-winning journalist and writer living in the South West of England. His second novel, The Echoing Shore, was a Yeovil Literary Prize award winner and the Adult Fiction Winner of the 2025 Selfies Book Awards at the London Book Fair. His third novel, The Silver Tide, has just been shortlisted for the 2026 Selfies Book Awards. He has strong family links with Cornwall. His novels are inspired by the many stories told by his mother and father and his own experiences as a shore-based volunteer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). He lives with his wife, Nicola, and their lively whippet Patch.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook – www.facebook.com/jason.mann.9047

Instagram – www.instagram.com/jhmannauthor/

Tik Tok – J.h.mann.writer (@j.h.mann.writer) | TikTok

Website: www.jhmannauthor.com

Top Ten Tuesday – Books That Live in my Head Rent Free

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There are lots of books that live in my head rent free. Sometimes, just for a short time. Others, much longer. Those are the feature of today’s Top Ten Tuesday. 

These books live in my head rent free because they are favourites, are profound in their message or are books I want to read again. Want to take a gander at what books make the list? Take a look below! 

Books That Live in My Head Rent Free

A Game of Thrones

For obvious reasons, A Game of Thrones, and all the following books in the series, always live in my head rent free. I love the series, its complexities, highs and lows. As we speak I’m watching the finale episode (again)! 

If there was only one book series I could read for the rest of my life, it’s this one! 

The Midnight Library

I only first read this book a couple of years ago, but I’ve already re-read it. The message in this book is a powerful one. It’s the kind of book you can read in various seasons of your life and have it make an impact. 

I also read it with a book club I used to run at work, and it’s an interesting one for discussion if that’s something you’re looking for… 

Three Sisters

I’m a sucker for WW2 fiction, and Three Sisters was one of the most recent I’ve read. 

Heather Morris is a fantastic author who goes out of her way to yes, tell an interesting story, but also to honour the lives that inspire of a stories. It is shocking to think that there are real experiences behind the events of this book. It is heartbreaking and yet I cannot help but want to read more from this author. 

Project Hail Mary

A more recent addition to my books that live rent free in my head list, Project Hail Mary is a recent audiobook listen that really captured my attention. The audio for this book is fantastic, and I don’t know how it compares with the written experience of the book, but the audio is fantastic. In fact, I want to find out and see what the book is like to read instead of listen to. I’m not sure how the characterisation of Rocky will come across, or whether it translates as well as it did in the audio.

For context, I enjoyed this book so much that as soon as I finish the audio, I purchased and watched a copy of the film that came out earlier this year. The same day. Subjected the other half to it as well. I say subjected, he enjoyed it! 

Ultra-Processed People

Something I never really thought about until I read the book is how much food has changed in the last hundred years. 

Ultra-Processed People has made very apparent to me that we don’t fully understand the consequences of the change to our diet that has taken place in very recent history. Looking at examples where less economically developed countries have adopted a diet similar to other western countries, but far later than they did, they shown the drastic changes to our health that have come as an inadvertent cost. 

I had no idea of some of the chemical compounds that go into our food. Whether they act as preservatives, or have been developed to replace more expensive ingredients more cheaply, and also to be more addictive, it’s scary what goes into our processed food. And, we are largely ignorant of it. Who reads the small print on packages? However, it’s becoming more apparent that those uneducated choices we make may have consequences down the line, if not now. 

Ultra-Processed People has changed the way I think about food. I cook more from scratch, have replaced store-bought products for homemade. I’ve not boycotted the lot by any means, but I’m more aware of what’s in my food than I was before… 

Fool’s Errand

This book lives in my head rent free because it hit me in the feels man! If you know, you know. I won’t go spoiling it for anyone starting or interested in the series. 

Robin Hobb writes fantastic characters and storylines. I’m nowhere near finished with this series and weirdly happy about it – it means I have plenty more to enjoy yet! 

I had to take a break after this book, such was the effect it had on me. However, I’m ready to dive back in soon so watch this space! 

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

What comes across most powerfully about this book is the author’s love for her home country. 

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow lives in my head rent free as a love letter to Syria. Even ravaged and war-torn, rife with danger, the characters strong bond to their home is overpowering. Torn between life and freedom and risking her life to stay at home, Salama wars with her conscience deciding what’s best. 

The twist was also incredible, I didn’t see it coming! 

This is Going to Hurt

This is Going to Hurt makes the list for its depth of reality. 

The author’s real-life stories about life as a junior doctor will have you howling in laughter one moment and crying the next. From foreign objects where they shouldn’t be (yes, EXACTLY what you are thinking), to helping patients in their most vulnerable moments, This is Going to Hurt doesn’t pull its punches. 

I’ve gone on to read more books by Adam Kay. But, This is Going to Hurt is where it all started. It has a special place for that reason. 

The Handmaid’s Tale

Women’s rights is something I’m passionate about. I hope that’s obvious. For starters, I am one. Of course I care! Beyond that though, it’s a topic I enjoy reading about. 

The Handmaid’s Tale is an iconic read. Most people have heard of it, if not read it. At a time when women in many countries across the world don’t have the same rights to reproductive health as they should, it’s scary. Sure, things aren’t so desperate to resort to events in The Handmaid’s Tale. However, it’s not as far from reality as I’d like. Real women lack bodily autonomy. Legally, women are denied that autonomy as well. Women who are victims of crime in many states of America (a supposedly progressive nation!) can’t legally abort a child conceived as a result of that crime. They don’t choose or agree to what happens to them, but they have to live with the consequences. 

That’s not so far away from The Handmaid’s Tale and it terrifies me. I suppose the reason this book lives in my head rent free is less positive than the others… 

Code Name Verity

I enjoyed Code Name Verity so much. Again, it’s WW2 fiction, so right up there on books I enjoy. However, it’s how cleverly written this book was that blew me away. 

I hadn’t read any other books by Elizabeth Wein. In fact, I still haven’t. However, I do have plans to change that by picking up Rose Under Fire. 

Summary

So, these are my top ten books that live rent free in my head! 

Have you read any of these? What is your number one book that lives rent free in your head and why? 

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Sunday Summary – 19thy July 2026

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It’s Sunday again friends! This weekend has been a bit different ☺️ Yesterday, I had a play with a flatbed knitting machine I bought second-hand online. It was a learning curve, but I did better than I expected! Then, today I saw family before taking part in a Pilates world record attempt this afternoon. We beat the record for the most people doing the standing roll down exercise. However, unfortunately we didn’t quite beat record for the largest pilates class ever. In total, 2,804 of us took part, and the atmosphere was amazing! 

Nevertheless, it was fun to take part! It was a lovely day for it, a bit too much so as I got sunburnt! 🤣 you could be forgiven for thinking Rudolph had come early…

Outside of that, what have I been up to? Here on the blog, I shared my summer reading recs. I’m not one for seasonal reading, but now and then a book that fits the theme overlaps and I can share it. I don’t recall reading any of these recommendations in summer especially, but they are light, humorous reads to offer light entertainment through the sunny season.

I finally pulled my finger out and she had my TBR on YouTube. If you prefer to watch video content, but I apologise I have been a bit light on recording in the last few weeks. However, I have some great videos lined up for you coming up in the very near future! Stay tuned…

Books Read

House of Twisted Shadows

With an upcoming blog tour deadline, I started and read a decent chunk of House of Twisted Shadows this week. 

It helps that I have a deadline with this book. However, I’m also intrigued by the storylines overlap of a mystery, and I’d even say borderline horror, narrative style with WWII. It’s not a combination I have read very much of, and so far, the book is living up to my expectations. I have an idea as to how the book is going to end at least in part. However, that doesn’t attract my enjoyment of the story overall, and there was plenty more to the story that I will no doubt uncover the further we get in. 

My review for this book is due next Saturday, so you will get to hear about this one in more detail very soon… 

Empire of Storms

Listening progress with empire of storms has been a bit on the lighter side this week. I’m not entirely sure why. There’s no reason for it. I usually listen when commuting to and from work, before settling down for the night. That sort of thing. There hasn’t been a change of circumstances that mean I haven’t done those things the same. I just haven’t turned on the audio half as much. 

I’ve still got 14hrs to go, and with less than two weeks left before the end of the month, I’d best get my skates on! 

Books Discovered

This section of the blog is starting to get boring. But, I’m being more sensible about not adding books lately. I’ve got enough on my plate as it is, and it serves nobody if I keep adding more. 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading!

What do I plan to read over the next seven days? Well, here are my priorities in order!

  • Continue Empire of Storms, putting in more reading hours than last week!
  • Finish House of Twisted Shadows – review due on the 25th July.
  • Read A Painkiller to Die For – review due 28th July

Blog

Next week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is books that live in my head rent-free. It’s one that I think I could have some fun with, so expect that in the next few days. 

Then, I’m going to take a break from posting for a few days so I can catch up reading for my upcoming blog tours. That means my next post goes live on Saturday – that being my review of House of Twisted Shadows. 

Finally, I’ll round up next week with another Sunday Summary. I may post that a little early as I’m looking to have friends over. If so, I’ll write and publish it a little earlier in the day. 

YouTube

I still need to share my review video for Queen of Shadows. It’s coming soon though – promise! 

Another video making its way to you in the very near future is a mid-year check in on where I’m at with my reading goals so far this year! 

Summary

That’s all from me in today’s Sunday Summary! What have you been reading this week? Hopefully you’ve stayed safer than I have in the sun 😅 Happy reading and I’ll catch you soon! 

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Books for your Summer TBR!

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I’m not a big seasonal reader, especially in summer. What most people read at the beach rarely graces my Summer TBR – I’m just not your typical reader. If you’re not either though, then hopefully my slightly out-there recommendations appeal more to your reading taste.

What today’s featured books have in common with other summer read lists is that they are lighter, warmer, and more fun than the usual epic fantasy I read a lot of. No blood, guts and gore on today’s list. Sorry if that’s your thing. Maybe check out my favourite fantasy books or spooky season reads if that’s more your jam? 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea – cozy vibes and childhood adventures! 

Either The House in the Cerulean Sea or its sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea are perfect summer reads if you’re looking to put cozy vibes and misfit children finding their place in the world on your Summer TBR! 

These books are wholesome for the way the children and their guardians band together in the face of prejudice and adversity. It’s what family should look like. The children, with their wildness and magic (sometimes dangerous) aren’t orphans, they’re chosen by Arthur and Linus. 

That’s not all! If you enjoy an LGBTQ cinnamon roll romance then you’re in luck! 

The Rosie Project – Romance with a Twist

If a slightly different type of romance tickles your pickle (or not… we don’t judge here!), The Rosie Project is another option. 

Don Tillman is hopeless when it comes to love. He’s far from a socialite, struggles to relate to people and has given up on romance. However, convinced by an acquaintance that there is someone for everyone. So, Don sets out to find his perfect partner, checklist in hand. As only a scientist would do. However, perhaps Don will be drawn to another, one who certainly does not tick all the boxes. Or any of them… 

The Rosie Project is funny and light. Romance is generally on the lighter side anyway, but the humour that stems from Don’s inability to read social cues and lack of understanding about how to conduct himself is a unique flavour. 

Fuck No! How to Stop Saying Yes When you Shouldn’t! – humour and practical advice in one compact book

Moving away from romance, but leaning heavily into humour, this self-help may just be the way to keep personal growth on your radar whilst at the beach. 

Tired of being a yes-man? Need advice on how to say no in a humour, disarming way? If so, this book can be both a practical guide and have you laughing out loud. Sarah Knight’s hands-on examples are easy to put into practice in everyday life. When you’re back from vacation and work demands try to overwhelm you, you’ll be armed with the ingenious way of saying f*ck no, well, a little more politely… 

The Tw*t Files – because laughing at someone else’s misery is entertaining

Finally, my current read is proving a balm in the current heat. There’s nothing more entertaining than laughing at someone else misery. We’ve all made fluff-ups, some more monumental and public than others. Dawn French has made many a blunder, large and small. 

The Tw*t Files is unapologetically funny. Dawn recounts her mishaps, major to minor, and happily laughs at her own tw*tishness. She’s not afraid to be honest about moments in her life that weren’t her finest. We all make mistakes, even when you’re famous. 

Sometimes, it helps to laugh at someone else’s mistakes. Will The Tw*t Files make it onto your Summer TBR as well? 

Summary

Sometimes, a lighter read is what you need in the moment. Whether you’re sat around the pool, on the beach, or just need a laid back moment, there’s a book for every occasion. 

What would you recommend to fellow readers for their Summer TBR?

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Sunday Summary – 12th July 2026

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Happy Sunday friends! We’re at the end of another week and it’s a hot one! Are you guys suffering in this heatwave as well? 

It’s been a busy week this week personally. Work has been busy, but my immediate deadlines are now done and I can breathe a sigh of relief. I’m back into my typical routine, which means I have more time for books and my social media accounts again. 

This week, I shares a review of the memoir Twelve Years a Slave. It was challenging in some aspects, namely in topic but also in terms of writing style. However, I’m glad I persevered with the book as it was an interesting read. Then, later this week, I published an unfiltered post about the difficulties of going through dry patches as a content creator. When my online persona is all about books and reading, who am I when that falls away? 

On YouTube, I finally posted my June wrap-up. I talk about early successes, then the slump I found myself in during the second half of the month. Go and check that out if you haven’t already ☺️

Books Read

Behind Closed Doors

This week, I concluded this fairly short audiobook, listening to the last 70% of the book over the span of the week. When I last talked to you about this book, I had hopes it was going to be a little bit different from the book the narrative was lining up to be. 

Sadly, it ended up staying in its lane and it didn’t wow me. Don’t get me wrong, it was okay. However, for a book advertised as a bestseller, I had higher hopes that the story was going to deviate from the typical ‘trapped woman escapes abusive man by chance’ tale. Initially, I half-hoped that maybe the roles were reversed. Then, I hoped Millie, Grace’s sister with Downs Syndrome, might have displayed great wit to help her sister and change reader’s perspective on those with the condition. Whilst she isn’t an insignificant part of the conclusion to the story, it wasn’t what I hoped. 

Nevertheless, it was a decent, middle of the road read and a change-up of genre compared to recent reads. 

The Tw*t Files

Breaking away from my July TBR a little, I impulsively picked up Dawn French’s The Tw*t Files for a lighter read this weekend. I’m hoping some humour gets me picking up pages more regularly. That, and I wanted something to read whilst I charged up my Kindle ready for some blog tour commitment reads later this month. 

So far, I’m about 120 pages, or 30%, into this book and it’s everything I need right now. Light. Funny. Brutally honest and unapologetic. It’s got my actively reaching for a book again because I want to. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve done that, if I’m honest. I’m hoping it will bring some more enjoyment to my current reads and get me back in a position to hit my blog tour commitment books with relish, rather than a sense of duty. 

More on this one to follow next week. I’m hoping this will be a quick finish next week. 

Empire of Storms

Finally, I started the next book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. 

I’ve only just started the audio, listening to around 1hr 35mins. I’m listening to this one a little quicker than last time. I was able to listen to Queen of Shadows at x1.35 speed. This time, I’m able to follow along pretty comfortably at x1.45. It’s a good thing, when you consider the book is a bit longer than the last. It’s not the longest of the series, but it still tops 700 pages! 

I’ve got just shy of 16 hours left of this audio. Now things are back to normal, I’ll be back at the gym this week. I’m also planning to take a break from some of the classes I’ve been doing and go back to doing some of my own weightlifting. I feel like I got more benefit from those, but I do enjoy the classes. I’m trialling going back to the gym a little more and doing my own strength training to see if I see more progress again. What significance does that have for reading? Well, I listen to audiobooks at the same time! 

Books Discovered

I’ve got very little to report here again. No new books on the list. I appreciate that as far as updates, go, it’s boring. However, when you have in excess of 200 books on the TBR already, it’s not a bad thing when you haven’t found any more to add!  

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading…

What do I plan to read over the next seven days? Well, here are my priorities in order!

  • Continue Empire of Storms for my Throne of Glass readalong. I’ll also set these up on Fable and Storygraph shortly! 
  • Finish The Tw*t Files, hopefully in the next couple of days
  • Read House of Twisted Shadows in its entirety – I’ve got a review due on the 25th July. 
  • Hopefully start A Painkiller to Die For

Given my recent dry spell with reading, it’s a bold plan. However, it needs to be and I’m optimistic The Tw*t Files will do its job of getting me out of the funk I’ve been in and better able to pick up more titles. 

 

Blog

So, what to post next week. I’m not sure really. I’m conscious I don’t want to bombard you with book reviews, because I know I have two coming up within days of each other later this month. Usually then, I turn to Top Ten Tuesdays. However, I’m not a fan of next week’s topic. So, that’s out. 

Inspired by the current heatwave, let’s share something summery. Maybe my top five summer reads? There’s no way I could do ten – I’m not really a seasonal reader in the summertime. 

Later in the week, I’ll return to my regular Friday features. This week, it’s the turn of my First Lines Friday post. What book will I feature this week? What intro will I use to capture your attention and hopefully inspire you to pick up a book? I’ve no idea yet – let’s see what takes my fancy later in the week! 

As always, you know what comes last. I’ll round up the week with another Sunday Summary. Fingers crossed I’m fully back to my usual self with lots of bookish updates next week. For the first time this year, I lost my lead and was slightly behind schedule to complete my 60 books challenge this year. Can I recover to get a couple of books lead again. Let’s see! 

YouTube

It’s a little late in the day, but I’ve got my July TBR recorded and ready to publish. Nearly. I just need to edit the video 😅 However, my plan is to get that out early next week so those who follow me on YouTube know what I’m reading this week! 

Then, I’ve got a review video planned to share my thoughts on Queen of Shadows. I wanted to commit my thoughts on this book before I make a start on Empire of Storms so I don’t get muddled between books. I don’t trust the headspace I’m in right now to not do that! 

Then, all being well, next week I’ll get back to recording my video weekly updates as well. The last few weeks I’ve not really had a whole lot to talk about, so I haven’t bothered… 

Summary

Thanks for checking out this latest Sunday Summary. I hope you had a great weekend, and maybe you picked up an entertaining read to help cope with the heat or otherwise distract yourself from the joys of mundane life 😂 If so, tell me what you’re reading! 

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Discussion Post – Reading Slump Ruminations

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It’s hard as a content creator to go through a dry spell. 

It’s natural, though. There are times in my life when I can fly through books and live my best life yacking about them. Most of the time, I can’t keep up the reviews with my reading speed. However, the inverse – a reading slump – is a tricky place to be. Imposter syndrome sets in if you aren’t careful. 

I’ve been through a bit of a reading slump in the last few weeks. There’s no one single reason for it, but a culmination of circumstances. Work has been busy, and I’ve stepped in to do overtime to meet important deadlines. I’ve enjoyed some other hobbies, including getting back into crochet and knitting. I’ve made a top for a friend for their birthday, and now I’m knitting myself a jumper. 

A long, slow-paced read got me off-track with last month’s reading pace and progress. Combine that with an ambitious list that doesn’t afford breaks, and you can see why really, I set myself up to fail. On a more positive note, the other half had some time off work last week for his birthday. It’s not often we get full weekends together, so of course we made the most of it to spend time together. 

All this doesn’t help with blog content though. And, when I invest so much of myself outside of work to a place on the internet where books are my identity, it feels hard to fit everything in. 

However, it’s okay to have other hobbies, and to spend time with people. It’s okay to lean into doing other things if a book isn’t quite working for you, or to accept that work may take your attention sometimes, and that your hobbies are there to enjoy when you get back. After all, I read and write and chat with you all for the love of it. Sure, I hope my words can be useful to somebody out there. But a significant part of why I blog is for me. 

So, I’m writing this post as a reminder.

To you. To me. It’s okay to not bury my head in a book, or in my laptop to chat about said books, every moment I have spare. I give permission to do something else, and enjoy being apart for a while. We enjoy these hobbies for love, not out of a sense of obligation or commitment. When the time is right, I’ll reach back with more gusto than I could have sustained by forcing myself to stick with it. 

Have you ever found yourself in a reading slump? Gotten frustrated over it? 

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Book Review: Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup

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Twelve Years a Slave is a hard-hitting read. Learning how Solomon Northup ended up in bondage for over a decade, it’s scary how easily he fell into the wrong hands. If you want to read about very personal, heart-breaking story of those kept against their will and forced into hard labour, abuse and worse, then read on to find out more about Twelve Years a Slave. 

Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 363

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Eakin Films and Publishing

Publication Date: 1853

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave, sub-title: Narrative of Solomon Northup, citizen of New-York, kidnapped in Washington city in 1841, and rescued in 1853, from a cotton plantation near the Red River in Louisiana, is a memoir by Solomon Northup as told to and edited by David Wilson. It is a slave narrative of a black man who was born free in New York state but kidnapped in Washington, D.C., sold into slavery, and kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana. He provided details of slave markets in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, as well as describing at length cotton and sugar cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana.

My Thoughts… 

It shouldn’t be a surprise that a book of this subject matter isn’t the easiest to read. It’s a personal account of being kept as a slave, beaten, starved, tortured and forced into hard labour. Whilst it focuses primarily on Solomon’s experience, we naturally see other slaves and the institutional level of abuse these people faced for years. However, I’m an advocate for reading about difficult things, the worst sides of humanity. Brushing these things under the carpet invalidates the experiences of victims. Not only that, but we don’t learn from these things. 

I wanted to read this book as it’s obviously a well-known title, and I was invested in the subject. However, when I picked it up in September 2023, it wasn’t plain sailing. The books was first published not long after Solomon’s release in 1853. In the grand scheme of history, it’s only in our recent past. However, language changes quite a bit in that timeframe. The style of the language was a bit of a barrier for me. I found it hard to get into initially. But, I persevered and I’m glad I did. Usually, readability is the key reason I would DNF a book. If I can’t get on with the narrative style, it’s make-or-break. On this occasion though, I stuck with it and got used to it enough that I could get on with the book. 

I enjoyed reading about a period of history, and from a perspective that was little-covered in my school curriculum. Whilst I have no doubt it’s more prominent in modern history classes, it wasn’t really a topic touched on in any detail during my time there. The scary fact is that it’s fairly recent history. This isn’t our distant past!

Summary

Twelve Years a Slave is a poignant narrative I recommend everyone try. Even if it isn’t typically your cup of tea, it’s a very personal story about a huge societal problem that hasn’t gone away. 

Modern slavery is very much a thing. Twelve Years a Slave is a far more ‘traditional’ tale of slavery as we recognise it from history. The underlying prejudice and discrimination that goes with it is still sadly around today. However, I can only hope that hearing more from minority voices we can empathise and correct our behaviour as a society. 

Have you read Twelve Years a Slave? What’s your take? 

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Sunday Summary – 5th July 2026

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Happy Sunday friends! This Sunday Summary is not the end of the weekend for me – here in the Isle of Man, we have a bank holiday tomorrow celebrating Tynwald Day. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a celebration of our local government, which is the oldest continuous government in the world. With ties back to our Viking heritage, tomorrow will see petitions presented to Government in the open air in a convening in a village just a stone’s throw from me. 

Not that I plan to attend – too many people for my liking! Instead, I’ll enjoy the day not at work and making the most of a chill day. I’m making a birthday present for a friend of mine celebrating later this month. I’m so close to being done, so I’ll push ahead to finish this well ahead of schedule. Other than that, I’ll be hitting the books. Not the intellectual kind, mind. Fingers crossed I’ll have more reading progress to share next week! 

Before I get to this week’s reading updates, let’s take a look at the blog content I shared. First, I published my monthly wrap-up for the books I read in June. It wasn’t the most extensive update, nor did I complete the challenges I set out to. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the books I picked up. After a short break towards the end of June, I’m ready to get stuck in with a fresh start! Yesterday, I followed that up with my monthly TBR for July. Alongside my June carryovers, I’ve got plenty of new releases to enjoy in the next few weeks. 

Books Read

Katabasis

I confess I’ve only read a handful of pages of Katabasis this week. Well, today, if I’m being honest. I’ve deliberately taken a bit of a break from reading physical books and instead taken the time to get my crochet project / gift made. I’m already feeling somewhat refreshed and it was fun to get stuck into a book without time pressure. 

I’m looking forward to reading this more over the coming week. With my project nearly done, I’ll have time to pick this book up tomorrow before jumping back into quarter-end madness at work on Tuesday! 

Behind Closed Doors

Over a few evenings this week, I’ve started the first 30% or so of Behind Closed Doors. 

I’m enjoying this audio. However, I listened to around 45mins of the audio before bed last night and it’s changed my opinions of the direction of the book if I’m honest. I was either hoping for a role reversal twist or some kind of revenge arc for Grace, who appears to be in a controlling relationship. 

One of the two of these directions was eliminated for me last night, which I confess to being a little disappointed about. Whilst this book set up can still surprise me, I feel like it’s taking the more typical route. Will it have a showstopper ending? I can only find out next week! 

Books Discovered

Keeping my head down has paid dividends on the TBR front. Whilst I’ve not ticked anything off the list this week (only making small progress with existing reads), I haven’t added anything new either. 

I’ll take my silver linings wherever I can take them… 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

My reading priorities for next week are as follows: –

  • Finish Behind Closed Doors, which amounts to a fraction under 4hrs audio 
  • Start Empire of Storms, by next readalong book in the Throne of Glass series
  • Finish Katabasis, which amounts to 490 pages
  • Continue with The Pillars of the Earth

Blog

I want to start next week with a book review. My next book on the list is a prominent title, and a book that honestly shocked me. Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup is a true account of how he found himself in bondage in America. It’s shocking to read, and hard to imagine now. However, it’s a reality of life and a gritty part of our history we shouldn’t shy away from learning about. 

Next, I want to talk about my recent dry spell with reading. As a content creator based around reading as a huge part of my free time, it’s not that common to talk about the times when that doesn’t happen. It’s hard to admit that slumps happen. I want to have a candid conversation with you about it. 

Finally, another Sunday Summary will grace your screens next week! 

YouTube

I didn’t get to record my monthly wrap-up or July TBR this week. I worked overtime last week due to quarter end. Also, the other half has been off work for his birthday this week. Generally, he works at least one day of the weekend given he has a retail job. That’s when I take advantage of planning and recording. However, with him being off, we’ve made an effort to spend the time together instead. 

So, my plans are to record these posts tomorrow. I’ve written the blog post versions, so I’ve got them planned now. I just need to plonk myself in front of a camera for half an hour to gab it out. 

Nest week, we’re back to business as usual. So, I’ll have another weekly vlog for you to catch you up on reading progress as well. 

Summary

That’s all I have for you in this Sunday Summary. When was the last dry spell of reading you had, and how long did it last? 

Have a great rest of your weekend, however much is left, and I will see you around for my next update very soon! 

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Monthly TBR – July 2026

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I’ve really had to reign myself in with my July TBR. A theme of every reading list I have set myself so far this year is that the list is a long one, and I don’t get to do every book on it.

My June TBR and the aim to complete the Goodreads spring reading challenge overwhelmed to me. That’s myself get stuck on lack of progress with a chunky book and fell off the wagon, so to speak. 

So, I’ve had a word with myself to shorten this list as much as I can get away with. There were also practical reasons for that decision – I have some blog tour obligations later this month that I can’t skip out on. I cannot have a repeat of last month and let that get in the way of my promise to review these books. 

July is a busy month at work, and typically I work overtime in the early days of the month. Leaning into audio allows me to read when still doing other things, from going to the gym or driving, or enjoying my crafty hobbies! I’m back into crochet lately, as well as cross-stitch! 

So, what’s the theme for July’s TBR? Completing June carried forward June reads, revisiting my highly anticipated 2026 releases and three blog tour obligations at the end of this month into early August. 

Let’s dive in!

Carryovers from June

The Pillars of the Earth

Goodreads

My first carryover from June to include in this July TVR is the read I made the most progress with of all my carryovers. Yes, I am talking about The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. As of drafting this July TBR, I am X pages into this book. That sounds significant, but when you consider this book is 1070 pages long in total, you’ll easily see that I still have some way to go! 

It’s this book that tripped me up in June. When I started it, I set out with the intention to read just over 40 pages a day. That would have seen me to the end of this book. However, I can’t always read every day. That means very quickly you can get behind, and I let this mindset get in my way of making the progress I could and ultimately I stopped reading this book towards the end of June. 

However, now I have no deadline. I am enjoying this book, so it’s one I’m going to continue with my own time rather than pressurising myself. Whilst I would like to complete this for the end of July, anything goes!

Katabasis

Goodreads

This is the book I started at the end of June to get myself out of the rut caused by The Pillars of the Earth. I have enjoyed books by R.F. Kuang several times now. Babel, The Poppy War and Yellowface all grace my ‘read’ shelves. No doubt Katabasis will be among their number shortly.

I only made a token start to this book before the end of June. However, I enjoyed the set up of the storyline so far. I’ve also enjoyed other dark academia themed books earlier this year. Another notable mention in this genre is An Arcane Inheritance if you are looking for something of this ilk. 

Fingers crossed it lives up to the hype I’ve heard and expect from R.F. Kuang and it can get me back into the reading groove! 

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads

My audiobook carryover into this July TBR is Behind Closed Doors. This is a relatively short book. I have only listened to this for around an hour for a couple of evenings so far, and that puts me about a third of the way into the book. 

Again, I have enjoyed the set up for this one. There is definitely more to the story than meets the eye. It’s currently being portrayed as a fairly typical story of a man controlling a woman in a new marriage. But is that really the case? It seems an obvious set up. I’m either hoping for a complete role reversal or some kind of twist that flipped this on its head. Either that, or a revenge arc for Grace. 

Reading Obligations

House of Twisted Shadows

Goodreads

A blog tour review opportunity came up for a book with a mystery and thriller leaning, but also ties to World War II. You know me, I love my historical fiction based on this time period! I’m excited to try a book from a different genre with this same leaning and ties to Nazi Germany.

I’ve got most of the months to pick up this book, as my review is due to take place on the 25th of July. Given that it’s an obligation though, I’m going to prioritise this book and hopefully read it sooner. I’m looking forward to picking this up and sharing my thoughts with you very soon! 

A Painkiller to Die For

Goodreads

My next tour follows just three days after House of Twisted Shadows. So, I need to get my skates on. I’ve often said that having a reading deadline helps motivate me. Whilst that didn’t especially help me last month, this time it’s a bit different in that I would be letting somebody else down rather than just myself.

What drew me to A Painkiller to Die For is the book’s pharmaceutical leaning. It’s not a common topic I read about, so it had novelty factor. Not only that, but there is clearly some mystery aspect to the storyline. Are the characters all who they say they are? 

Duel of Beasts

Goodreads

My final blog tour obligation on my July TBR is a medieval adventure set in Spain, of all places. Rachel was looking for people to take part in the tour, and I was intrigued. 

It seems there’s some kind of religious aspect to this book. It’s not my typical setting of novel, but that’s precisely why I want to read it! I’m always trying to diversify the books and settings I pick up. Duel of Beasts definitely fits that bill! 

2026 Releases

The Midnight Train

Goodreads

A couple of new releases on my 2026 highly anticipated releases list came out in April. However, with reading priorities and challenges to date, I’ve not yet got to them. It’s now time! This July’s TBR has lots of exciting new releases on it when you take into account my three blog tours. 

I’ve come to love Matt Haig’s writing. However, I’m a little apprehensive of this book given I’ve read less favourable reviews of this latest book. Still, I won’t know for definite until I pick it up for myself. Nevertheless, I want to give it a go and see if I agree or have my own opinions… 

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

This book is all about words, their power. It leans into my own personal love of language, and that’s why I’m not so quietly optimistic that this will go down well with me. 

The sci-fi spy narrative is also a little unusual. I’ve read something similar before (Starsight) and really enjoyed it. It’s a bit of an unusual one, but all the same, I’m keen to get stuck into this one and see if it’s just as good. 

Summary

I’ve got considerably fewer books on my July TBR, and I’m planning to pick up as many as I can in audio format to make the most of reading opportunities I have. I’m ready for a fresh start, and I’ve got plenty of new releases to dive into and get excited about! 

What new release have you read recently?

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