Tag: sunday summary

Sunday Summary – 23rd August 2026

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Sunday has rolled around again folks! Where has the weekend gone? It’s time for another Sunday Summary post, and I have some good bookish updates to share this week! 

Before that though, let’s recap the blog posts I’ve shared so far this week! First, I posted a blog tour review post. That book is The Knife Maker of Venice by David Gilman. Then, I posted a Shelf Control post looking ahead to a Booker prize-winning book on my TBR. It handles tricky topics like race and discrimination. Naturally, they’re topics I like to read about, so I’m excited for this one! 

Books Read 

The Knife Maker of Venice

Last week I’d only just started The Knife Maker of Venice. Naturally, it was my priority read of the week and the one finish I absolutely had to have on today’s Sunday Summary. 

I really enjoyed this historical adventure novel. Set initially in the UK, but covering many international locations including Tunisia and Venice, there was plenty to explore. The book predominantly focuses on the lives of Richard and Beth, siblings, who are captured and enslaved in England before being taken to Venice. Separated, Richard is sold to a blacksmith whilst Beth is held by their capturer, one time flame Challenor. 

The slavery aspect was interesting to read, but what I enjoyed most was learning about the cultural history and tensions in places at this time. It’s not something I’ve read before, so it was a learning journey as well as a fun read! 

Tower of Dawn 

When I left off in last week’s Sunday Summary, I had just 3 and a half hours of audio left. 

I had plenty of time to listen to that amount of audio this week. However, I confess I only finished it today. I listened for around 20 minutes midweek, but finished Tower of Dawn this afternoon. 

I wasn’t expecting Tower of Dawn to take the route it did, but it made for a great change. It’s also set up for a reunion in the final book, and I’m intrigued as to how this series will wrap up. I foresaw the romances, and even the twist in this one. So, nothing too surprising or revelatory in this book. However, it was a decent penultimate book of the series. 

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World

Today, I’ve made more progress with Supremacy. As of drafting this Sunday Summary though, it’s still a current read. I’m hopeful I’ll finish it tonight so I can start a new physical read next week. New week, new start and all that 🤗 

Although I’ve progressed slowly with this one, it’s an informative read. Personally, I’m trying to learn more about AI, its development and limitations as I start to use the tool myself. At work, that is. I don’t use it for my blog. The most techy thing I do here is use speech-to-text to dictate my content sometimes. I’m not sure there’s any other way I would use the tech for my blog, except maybe to brush up social media content wording. 

I’ve got another 80 pages to read tonight, so I won’t be bored! 😅

Dungeons and Dimwits 

Finally, I picked up a graphic novel I’m reviewing next week last night. It was a quick read, given the nature of the book. But you know what? It was a refreshing change and I enjoyed the storyline. 

Based on the gameplay of dungeons and dragons, it leans into my nerdy enjoyment of games and fantasy. It also has a few funny moments, which I wasn’t expecting but loved nonetheless. I can tell you already I would like to read more of these. I can’t wait to review this for you next week. 

The Midnight Train 

Finally, after finishing Tower of Dawn today I started The Midnight Train. In all, I likely listened to about an hour and a half of the audio, or a little less. 

So far, I’m enjoying the story. I’ve had reservations previously that this book won’t live up to The Midnight Library. However, I’ll just have to give it a chance. So far, so good! More to follow on this one in my next Sunday Summary update. 

Books Discovered

As things stand, there are no new books on my TBR this week. I’ve kept my head down, and thankfully my recent finishes mean the TBR is headed in the right direction 🎊🎉

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

Here’s my reading plan over the next seven days:- 

  • Finish The Midnight Train – only 4hrs 15mins audio left
  • Finish Supremacy if I haven’t done by tonight
  • Start and finish e-book of The Other Life of Mary English – blog tour obligation 01/09/2026
  • Start Julia by Sandra Newman, but prioritise The Other Life of Mary English
  • Start The Language of Liars audiobook after The Midnight Train

Blog

I want to start next week pretty casual, featuring some of my top reads of 2026 so far. A year is a long time to wait for ‘best of 2026’ content. So, I’m going to share my top three books so far, and why I love them. 

My blog tour review for Dungeons and Dimwits is due on Thursday 27th. Thankfully I’ve finished it already, so I can start documenting my thoughts. 

Finally, I’ll be back with my final Sunday Summary of August this time next week. How much of a dent can I make in my August TBR between now and then? Let’s find out! 

Summary 

As always, thanks for checking out today’s Sunday Summary. 

What are your favourite reads of 2026 so far? I want to check out yours, and maybe give them a read for myself, so drop the titles in the comments ♥️

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Sunday Summary – 9th August 2026

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Last week’s Sunday Summary went live first thing on Monday morning. However, you could be forgiven if you didn’t see it. This week I undertook some behind-the-scenes work to transfer my domain to another provider. After having some IT issues for some time, I logged a ticket with my provider after ruling out my own settings as the problem. However, a distinct lack of service prompted me to make the change. 

That change took place around Monday afternoon, and I didn’t get my site back online until around Wednesday or Thursday. Apologies if you missed me in that time! However, the good news is I’m back and ready to share my latest reading and blog updates here in this Sunday Summary. Strap in! 

This week, I shared both my monthly wrap-up for reading progress in July, as well as my monthly TBR for August. Both were pretty long posts, even if the reading progress wasn’t quite what I hoped in July. That reflects in my August TBR, in that there are a number of books on this reading list that are from TBR’s past.

Books Read 

Empire of Storms 

Unlike my last Sunday Summary update, reading progress with Empire of Storms has gone much better. I listened to this book throughout the week, in fact, forgetting to set my timers multiple times throughout the week and consequently finished this audiobook no less than three times. The trouble is, I don’t remember finishing it the first two times because I was asleep! 

However, I did finish this audiobook a third and final time yesterday. I had my doubts at one point as to whether I was going to get on with and finish the remainder of the series. Quite a few plot lines came together that made the storyline quite romance-y, and I wasn’t a huge fan. Sorry, I’m sure there are plenty of you that absolutely love this slower intention that comes out. I’m not one of those people. That’s why I’m reaching for a glass as opposed to A Court of Thorns and Roses. Sorry, not sorry. 

However, I got over that, and the conclusion to this book reminded me just why I am invested in the fantasy side of this series. Needless to say, I’ve dived into Tower of Dawn already.

Tower of Dawn 

Speaking of the devil, I’ve made a solid start with this second audiobook. I started this listen yesterday, so it’s nothing groundbreaking in terms of reading progress. Still, four hours’ worth is decent considering I racked that up after Empire of Storms yesterday. I took a break today, but I’m on annual leave next week and home by myself for much of it. So, audiobooks for company… 

And, as you will have seen in my August TBR, I have a few books to keep me occupied.

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World

On a whim, I started Supremacy earlier this week. AI is a bit of an ongoing focus at work at the moment. Personally, I’m trying to learn how I can use it most effectively. With this in mind, it got me thinking about how we started using ChatGPT and its relatively short history. We all know how fast technology progresses, and the birth and widespread use of ChatGPT and similar tech within just a few years is a prime example. It has its upsides and its downs, but one of my aims is to make sure I use it responsibly. 

So, I’m curious as to what went into the production of AI on a wider scale. My understanding from this book is that the people who started to develop the models we see widely today started off with altruistic intentions. However, as funding was required in order to make the project what it is today, they got sold out to bigger companies like Google in order to scale. With this drive to get to market, have any shortcuts been taken or less than ethical actions taken place? 

Books Discovered

I’m finally breaking my streak. I’ve no new books added to my TBR for what feels like the longest time. In reality, it’s probably been a couple of months. Thankfully, this update isn’t too much – I’ve added one book. I’ve seen a few people reading a book called Yesteryear. It’s only when I saw a news update yesterday about a movie adaptation with Anne Hathaway that I got an idea for what the book was about. 

Obviously, with its near dystopian theme, I’m intrigued and want to read it! 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

We’re onto the fun part of this Sunday Summary, what I share with you the books I’m planning to read over the course of this week. Being off work, I’m hoping to complete several titles this week. In no particular order, here’s what I’m hoping to pick up, and in cases, finish, in the next seven days.

  • Finish Tower of Dawn – reading at x1.5 speed, I’ve got around 12 hours of audio left. With five days on my own at home this week, this is plenty achievable!
  • Listen to The Midnight Train 
  • Continue and finish Supremacy
  • Start and finish The Knife Maker of Venice – blog tour obligation 19/08/2026
  • Continue Katabasis if I have time, but it is lower priority than The Knife Maker of Venice

Blog

So, what content am I pushing out next week? 

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is a fun way to look back at my history as a blogger and reader. The theme is Books I Was Reading On This Day Over the Last Ten Years. Admittedly, my reading history is going to be a little spotty towards the end of that date range. So, I’m going to lean into the fact that I quite often listen to audiobooks and read physical books at the same time. So, the date range I use is probably going to be more like five years, and I’ll have a couple of books in each year. At least, that’s what I expect. I may need to go back a little further, but we’ll see how the list pans out. 

I’ve published a few reviews of late, but this week, I’m going to share my thoughts on a more popular title compared to the recently released I’ve featured. That title is a cult classic from Stephen King – The Shining! 

Finally, I’ll be back at the same time again next week with another Sunday Summary update. Fingers crossed, I have lots of reading updates to share with you. My August TBR reading progress depends on it. I’m ready to get back on track with my Goodreads reading goal and make a dent in both the Summer Reading Challenge and my own personal reading challenge. 

Summary 

As always, thanks for reading today’s Sunday Summary. What have you read recently, and would you recommend it to me?

What’s the most recent book you’ve read when you have learned something from it?

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Sunday Summary – 2nd August 2026

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Last weeks Sunday Summary post was written ahead of normal time, and this weeks timing is a little off as well. However, we are the other way this time. Whereas last weeks Sunday Summary was drafted in the afternoon because I had friends coming over, this Sunday Summary has been drafted at normal time, but has been scheduled to go live first thing on Monday morning. Why? Because I had a blog tour review post scheduled for Sunday that needed to take priority.

Its one of two blog tours I have part taken in this week. The first of those was for a book called A Painkiller to Die For, which I reviewed on Tuesday. Then, between these two blog tour obligations, I shared a First Lines Friday feature. Finally, on Sunday I took part in the blog tour for a book called Duel of Beasts.

Books Read

Empire of Storms

In recent weeks, progress with Empire of Storms has been pretty slow. Whilst I have had the time and opportunity to listen to this audiobook, I confess I havent made the most of those opportunities.

Truthfully, thats the same for this week, with the exception of today. Conscious that I am now once again slightly behind on my read along, I made a solid push with this audiobook today. I have only listened to to this audiobook today, but I managed to plough through six and three-quarter hours. The other half was at work today, so I pretty much kept it on for company whilst pottering around the house and enjoying some crafting hobbies.

Im curious to see how Empire of Storms  will pan out. Whilst there are aspects of this narrative, Im really enjoying, we are seeing a bit more in the way of romance coming into the storyline. Im not a huge fan of these sections, so the slightly heavier leaning into the romance aspect isnt my cup of tea. However, I do want to see where the main plot line takes us and where Empire of Storms  will conclude.

A Painkiller to Die For

I started this week having made a start with a painkiller to die for, but I confess I had a decent junk of the book still to read before sharing my review on Tuesday. Nevertheless, I hunker down on Monday night to finish the remainder of the book before getting my post out on time.

I enjoyed this medical/science themed thriller. It was an interesting book full of characters that you end up with mixed feelings about. They arent exactly moral or altruistic, yet we can understand their positions and motives. Its a complex narrative, and one that has you thinking long after the book has been closed. 

I wont rehash my whole review here. You can go and find it here if you want to find out more.

Duel of Beasts

I hadnt started Duel of Beasts before this week, so Ive dedicated a solid amount of effort into reading this ahead of Sundays blog tour post. 

In my review, I talked about how this book started as a bit of a stretch goal for myself, but quickly became a book. I was looking forward to picking up. Ill admit I had precious little understanding of European Medieval history. So, from this book, I learned that Spain was run by sultans of the Muslim faith between the eighth and 15th century. Duel of Beasts is set in the 14th century, so towards the end of their dynasty and during a time of political intriguing as well as religious conflict.

Historical adventure sums up Duel of Beasts perfectly full of action, conniving and intrigue, there is action in every chapter and the protagonists Willa and Gerard are out of their depth really. If youre keen to find out more based on this snapshot, go check out my full review here.

Books Discovered

Another week of no news here – I really do have to be on a record right now. I havent added a book to my TBR in seven weeks now!

Coming Up…

What I’m Reading…

In this section, I give you a heads up on my planned reads for the next seven days. Heres what Im hoping to tackle:- 

  • Finish Empire of Storms – Ive only got 3hrs of audio left
  • Listen to The Midnight Train
  • Continue The Pillars of the Earth
  • Continue with Katabasis

So, the theme of next weeks reads is to try finish up some ongoing reads ready for a clean slate.

Blog

Its the beginning of August, so that can only mean its time to share my progress with reading in July. That post will go live on Tuesday. 

Next, Ive got my August TBR to think about. Ive got a couple of blog tours later this month, but otherwise, youll see some familiar titles on my August TBR 

Finally, Ill round up my week with my usual Sunday Summary. Theres nothing special next week, so it should come to you at the usual time! 

Summary

Thanks for reading todays Sunday Summary! I hope you have a fantastic week coming up and I will catch up with you shortly. 

Happy reading! 

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Sunday Summary – 26th July 2026

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Good afternoon everyone! Im drafting this a little earlier than usual for todays Sunday Summary as Im having friends around this evening. Needless to say, I wont be getting any additional reading done. Its been awhile since weve had a good catch up, and I cant wait to see how my friends have been doing.

But what have I been doing? Thats what youre here to learn. Ive managed to get some reading done this week, which is a bonus given Ive had some reading obligations to take care of. On top of that, I have enjoyed learning and swearing at my new knitting machine ? its an experience I have to say

On the blog, Ive 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. Youll be pleased to know I finish this book well in time to put together my blog to review post. If you havent 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 dont have long to wait to hear my thoughts on this book. The bad news for me is that Im only just starting to read it.

Jesting aside, im looking forward to getting into this one properly. And, its a relatively short book meaning it shouldnt 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 Sundays Summary post, I have listened to just three hours this week.

Were 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. Im 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? Well 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, Ill 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, Im not going to set any form of challenge or task thats going to make selection more difficult. Instead, Ill 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 todays Sunday Summary instalment! I hope youve 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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Sunday Summary – 12th July 2026

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Happy Sunday friends! Were at the end of another week and its a hot one! Are you guys suffering in this heatwave as well?

Its 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. Im 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, Im 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 havent 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 didnt wow me. Dont 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, Graces sister with Downs Syndrome, might have displayed great wit to help her sister and change readers perspective on those with the condition. Whilst she isnt an insignificant part of the conclusion to the story, it wasnt 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 Frenchs The Tw*t Files for a lighter read this weekend. Im 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, Im about 120 pages, or 30%, into this book and its everything I need right now. Light. Funny. Brutally honest and unapologetic. Its got my actively reaching for a book again because I want to. Its been a couple of weeks since Ive done that, if Im honest. Im 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. Im hoping this will be a quick finish next week.

Empire of Storms

Finally, I started the next book in Sarah J. Maass Throne of Glass series.

Ive only just started the audio, listening to around 1hr 35mins. Im 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, Im able to follow along pretty comfortably at x1.45. Its a good thing, when you consider the book is a bit longer than the last. Its not the longest of the series, but it still tops 700 pages!

Ive got just shy of 16 hours left of this audio. Now things are back to normal, Ill be back at the gym this week. Im also planning to take a break from some of the classes Ive 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. Im 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

Ive got very little to report here again. No new books on the list. I appreciate that as far as updates, go, its boring. However, when you have in excess of 200 books on the TBR already, its not a bad thing when you havent 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. Ill 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 – Ive got a review due on the 25th July.
  • Hopefully start A Painkiller to Die For

Given my recent dry spell with reading, its a bold plan. However, it needs to be and Im optimistic The Tw*t Files will do its job of getting me out of the funk Ive been in and better able to pick up more titles.

Blog

So, what to post next week. Im not sure really. Im conscious I dont 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, Im not a fan of next weeks topic. So, thats out.

Inspired by the current heatwave, lets share something summery. Maybe my top five summer reads? Theres no way I could do ten – Im not really a seasonal reader in the summertime.

Later in the week, Ill return to my regular Friday features. This week, its 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? Ive no idea yet – lets see what takes my fancy later in the week!

As always, you know what comes last. Ill round up the week with another Sunday Summary. Fingers crossed Im 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. Lets see!

YouTube

Its a little late in the day, but Ive 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 Im reading this week!

Then, Ive 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 dont get muddled between books. I dont trust the headspace Im in right now to not do that!

Then, all being well, next week Ill get back to recording my video weekly updates as well. The last few weeks Ive not really had a whole lot to talk about, so I havent 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 youre reading!

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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 youve never heard of it, its 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 stones throw from me.

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

Before I get to this weeks reading updates, lets take a look at the blog content I shared. First, I published my monthly wrap-up for the books I read in June. It wasnt 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, Im ready to get stuck in with a fresh start! Yesterday, I followed that up with my monthly TBR for July. Alongside my June carryovers, Ive got plenty of new releases to enjoy in the next few weeks.

Books Read

Katabasis

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

Im looking forward to reading this more over the coming week. With my project nearly done, Ill 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, Ive started the first 30% or so of Behind Closed Doors.

Im enjoying this audio. However, I listened to around 45mins of the audio before bed last night and its changed my opinions of the direction of the book if Im 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 its 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 Ive not ticked anything off the list this week (only making small progress with existing reads), I havent added anything new either.

Ill 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. Its shocking to read, and hard to imagine now. However, its a reality of life and a gritty part of our history we shouldnt 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, its not that common to talk about the times when that doesnt happen. Its 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 didnt 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. Thats when I take advantage of planning and recording. However, with him being off, weve made an effort to spend the time together instead.

So, my plans are to record these posts tomorrow. Ive written the blog post versions, so Ive 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, were back to business as usual. So, Ill have another weekly vlog for you to catch you up on reading progress as well.

Summary

Thats 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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Sunday Summary – 28th June 2026

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Another week has positively flown by! Yes, somehow its time for this weeks Sunday Summary instalment already.

In last weeks post, I didnt have a whole lot to update you on in terms of reading progress. This week feels a little bit more productive, if not the comeback I had hoped for. The truth is, I have been busy at work and that has impacted my attention span out-of-hours, so to speak. Not only that, but Ive leant into needing some space and taken the time to enjoy playing Minecraft, as well as getting back to a huge cross-stitch project. This week I cracked out some new colours!

So, what have I been up to here? On my blog, I published a Top Ten Tuesday featuring books on my Summer TBR. On Friday, I published the Shelf Control post that didnt make it out last week. I featured a crime novel by a renowned author, but perhaps better known for another genre.

Over on YouTube, I published a tour of my unread books that dont fit on my bookshelves. There are over 50 of them – take a look to see if we have any in common!

Books Read

The Pillars of the Earth

Progress with The Pillars of the Earth has remained slow. Now Ive accepted Im not finishing it by the end of June, Ive dropped off trying to read 42 pages a day.

So, progress with this one is going to tick along slowly. And you know what, thats fine by me. Ill keep plodding along to finish this book. Its a slow-burn storyline in my eyes anyway, so I can lean into that.

This week, Ive read around 50 pages. Yes, progress is very slow with this one. Thankfully reading progress with my other reads this week has been better!

Katabasis

With progress so slow on The Pillars of the Earth, Ive dabbled with Katabasis for a change of pace. whilst Ive only just started this book in the last couple of days, Ive enjoyed a different storyline. Im sure itll help me back on track with reading!

Whilst I own a physical copy of this book, Ive also got a digital copy from the library to help in moments when I cant carry round, or want to hold, a physical book. Basically, Im doing just about everything I can to reduce resistance to read ?

Queen of Shadows

Finally, the best progress of all this week has been on the audiobook front!

This week, Ive listened to the final 9 hours 20 minutes needed to finish Queen of Shadows. For the first time ever, Ive finished my Readalong series by my own deadline ?

Audiobooks are definitely the way to go for me with this series. Earlier books in the series were a little slow-going in terms of world-building and setting down the early foundations of the book. However, I didnt feel that was something I encountered in Queen of Shadows.

Im looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this latest book very soon! Although, given were at the end of the month, Ill no doubt get started with Empire of Storms in the next few days ?

Books Discovered

This Sunday Summary is another quiet one in terms of bookish additions. There are none to report this week – again ? Thats good news from where Im standing!

Coming Up..

What I’m Reading!

Next Sunday Summary, Im hoping to report more progress with The Pillars of the Earth. I dont want to be reading it for the rest of 2026! I might set myself a goal for a couple hundred pages a week. Thats achievable and means Ill finish the book by the end of July.

On top of that, Im going to pick up pace with Katabasis. Given things have slowed down in the last fortnight, Im intentionally going back to a genre I know and love to get back in the game.

In terms of audiobook progress, Im starting Behind Closed Doors tonight. Its a pretty short book, and so the audiobook is set to take me 6 hours total to read. More than doable! Ive taken to listening to an hour before bed. Im capable of doing more than that if I put my mind to it

Blog

The end of June is imminent, so my usual posts are on the way. First, my monthly wrap-up will go live and update you on how far I got with my June TBR and quest to complete the Goodreads Spring 2026 reading challenge.

Next, Ill publish my July TBR later this week. So far, the list is looking like a mix of new releases and comeback kings. Im excited for a fresh start!

YouTube

In terms of YouTube content, Ive got video versions of both of those blog posts planned for recording. However, thats not all.

Now Ive finished Queen of Shadows, Im keen to record my review of the book whilst events are fresh in my mind. Also, before I start book five, Empire of Storms.

Finally, Ill record a weekly update next Sunday. Fingers crossed I can get through more page count next week.

Summary

Thanks for reading todays Sunday Summary. Again, its been a slower week than usual. However, Im keen to finish my ongoing reads and then enjoy a fresh start in the coming days.

How has your reading progress been this week? Have you stepped back to enjoy other hobbies as I have?

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Sunday Summary – 21st June 2026

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Good evening friends! I dont quite know how were back at Sunday evening already, but there we are. That can only mean its time for another Sunday Summary update! 

This Sunday Summary post is likely to be a short one. As reading progress goes, Im light on updates this week. After a busy week at work training, as well as overtime on Friday due to technical issues, I havent read much. Even yesterday, my other half was off work. So, a day that would normally have involved at least a couple of hours on the sofa with Pillars of the Earth was not to be. Alas, I cant be an avid reader every minute of every day 

Before I get onto the usual bookish updates, lets quickly recap the content Ive shared so far this week! 

Over on YouTube, I shared my thoughts on whether book subscription boxes are worth it, including the pros and cons. Then, later this week I shared a review of Heir of Fire, the third book in the Throne of Glass series Im hosting a readalong for.

Earlier, I published my weekly vlog which is the equivalent of this Sunday Summary update.

Here on the blog, I shared a Game of Thrones themed quiz on Tuesday. Its the first time Ive posted anything like it before. Im also keen to build upon it casually over time, and maybe write more based on popular books. Let me know if you have any preferences for other books or series.

I had intended a Shelf Control to go live on Friday. However, with the late finish after a busy week, I made the executive decision to give myself a night off and roll this over to next week. 

 

Books Read

The Pillars of the Earth

I confess, physical reading progress has been the slowest this week. As of drafting this post, Ive barely read 30 pages this week. Even then, most of those were earlier today 

The reasons for this are largely circumstantial and Im hopeful to put this week to bed and start afresh tomorrow. Does it mean Im likely to finish The Pillars of the Earth before the end of June. Yeah. Not optimistic about that one. However, that doesnt mean Im giving up on it or relaxing on the pace. I wanted to read this one anyway and its an entertaining read so far. 

Queen of Shadows

Over the course of this week, Ive listened pretty consistently to Queen of Shadows, around half an hour a day. Overall, Ive listened to 2 hours 45mins over the course of the week. 

Not a whole lot of progress, but Im pleased that at least one aspect of my reading habits remained consistent this week. 

Im enjoying this book in audio format. Its certainly helping with some of the issues I had with Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire in the density of information at the beginning of the books. In the grand scheme of things, it working out better than I hoped. Fingers crossed I can make the most of listening time next week and finish this book before the end of June. It would mean listening to around an hour a day, which is certainly achievable! 

Books Discovered

I added more than enough books to my TBR last week. So, Ive reined it in again this week. No news to report!  

Coming Up 

What Im Reading 

Naturally, priority next week goes to keeping pace with The Pillars of the Earth and Queen of Shadows, aka my current reads. Much the same as last week really…

Blog

My first post of next week is a Top Ten Tuesday. This weeks topic involves sharing my Summer TBR. Looking beyond completing the Goodreads Spring 2026 Challenge (before the end of June, or after), Ive got plenty of books Im excited to get to. On Tuesday, Ill share some of those. 

On Friday Ill post the Shelf Control I didnt get to this week – have no fear!

Finally, at the end of the week Ill return with (hopefully) a more productive Sunday Summary post. Lets hope more reading progress is the theme of that post. 

YouTube

Ive recorded one video for next week, as its a reasonable length video. In that, I share a tour of the physical unread books that currently dont fit on my bookshelves. Theres quite a lot, so I hope you can find a book in amongst these we have in common or that youre interested in too. 

Then, later in the week, Ill share my next weekly vlog. Again, hopefully with more reading progress than I disclose today. 

Summary 

Thanks for reading this Sunday Summary update. It may not be the best of weeks, but these things happen. Its an honest account of what it can be like as a reader and content creator. So, I hope this honesty lands and you can see that Im not perfect. But, I do my best and hold my hands up when things dont come to plan. 

Have you had better reading progress than me this week? 

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Sunday Summary – 14th June 2026

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This week has been a busy one, and Im glad to catch you up on my current reads and content shared in this latest Sunday Summary.

Its felt a little weird this week. Between recent bank holidays and time off work, this was my first full week for a while. No rest for the wicked! Ive put out a full complement of content despite a full week on my plate. Lets take a look at what I shared

My first post of the week was in response to news that some libraries in the UK are effectively being censored by the councils running them. Heres my thoughts on why I dont agree with that. Later this week, I shared a First Lines Friday. This weeks book is a non-fiction book on my physical unread TBR. Its topical at the moment given it addresses recently available technology.

Over on YouTube, I shared two book reviews with you, as well as my weekly vlog video just a few minutes ago. My reviews were for books with romance links, so if you enjoy romance you are in for a treat. The first review was for Julia Quinns An Offer From a Gentleman. The second review was for the second book of my readalong series Throne of Glass, being Crown of Midnight.

 

Books Read

Project Hail Mary

When I caught up with you in last weeks Sunday Summary update, I had a few hours left of Project Hail Mary to finish.

In the grand scheme, I finished this pretty quickly. I was really invested in learning the ending of the book. One aspect I really loved as well was the nerdy science that occurs naturally throughout the narrative. Its very clear a lot of time and effort went into the research of the book. Although I havent read any books by Andy Weir before this one, Project Hail Mary sold me on his books. Youll see just how much when I get to TBR additions later

Project Hail Mary was a fun listen, and productive in that it ticks off two Goodreads Spring Challenge achievements off the list.

 

The Pillars of the Earth

Since last week, Ive read 280 pages towards The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Im a little behind the 380 page target I worked out in last weeks Sunday Summary. However, I know I can get that read once this post goes live.

I typically spend weekends at home, with maybe a couple of short errands out and about. However, I wasnt home most of the day yesterday and that impacted my reading time. Whilst I do read a little at the hairdressers, its nowhere near the quality reading time I get at home as its busy. Plus, I usually end up yacking with everyone there.

So, Im close to where I need to be and the plan is to catch up this evening. As Im reading this book throughout the remainder of June, I need to be 760 pages into The Pillars of the Earth by my next Sunday Summary.

For a long book, Im getting on with the narrative. Its for sure a slow-burn read for me, and its working fine. This historical fiction is engaging in its wider backdrop, but also in the scheming taking place between characters. Its a great read so far, and Im looking forward to reading on in the next week.

 

Queen of Shadows

Finally, I started my next Throne of Glass readalong read. Or, in this case, listen.

Yes, Im picking up Queen of Shadows in audiobook format this month. Previously, Ive struggled with pacing in the early days of the books whilst new material is unveiled. To get around the issue of reading on my phone causing distractions, and also to help with pacing, Im trying audio this month.

So far, Im just shy of 20% into the opening of the book. As things stand, I have had no trouble with pacing at all. The audiobook is working well; if things continue, its going to be the way I finish this readalong.

Im invested in the series and where events are going to take us next. What happens to Celaena returning to Adarlan? I cant wait to find out!

 

Books Discovered

In previous weeks Ive been pretty good for ticking books off the reading list. However, this week Ive made up for previous good behaviour by adding The Martian and Artemis by Andy Weir. On top of those, I also added The Daughter of Auschwitz, The Twins of Auschwitz and Of Wind and Fate.

Told you Ive made up for recent good behaviour, didnt I?!

 

Coming Up

What Im Reading

Naturally, priority next week goes to keeping pace with The Pillars of the Earth and Queen of Shadows, aka my current reads. On top of that, Id like to get to a book I intended to get to this week, which is Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma Trzs.

 

Blog

Coming up on the blog next week, Ive got a different piece of content to share. Im hoping to build a Game of Thrones related quiz. Want to test your knowledge on all things Game of Thrones? Watch this space and take the test to find out if you are a GoT buff, or if you need to re-read the series. As if you need an excuse

On Friday Im back with a Shelf Control post. If you are unfamiliar with this series, I look at upcoming books on my TBR and share why Im excited to read them. I look forward to looking ahead and discovering my next feature later this week.

Finally, Sunday Summary is the final post to wrap-up the week. As always, Ill recap current reads, content shared, as well as give you insight on upcoming content. Stay tuned for my next weekly update.

 

YouTube

On YouTube, Ive got a discussion post on subscription boxes recorded and ready for editing. As well, I have a review video for Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas coming up towards the end of next week. I hope you are as excited to hear about this book as I was to record my thoughts!

Finally, Ill post my weekly vlog at the end of the week to share much the same information as I do here in these Sunday Summary posts.

 

Summary

Thanks for reading my latest Sunday Summary. Its been a good week, but I hope I can push on a little and get a couple of finishes in next week.

What have you read this weekend?

 

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Sunday Summary – 7th June 2026

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Happy Sunday, fellow readers! Todays Sunday Summary, thankfully, has a few completions and new bookish starts to share. Given the size of my June TBR, which I published earlier this week, its the best I can hope for in setting myself up to complete the list.

Before I get into the reading updates, what else have I published? Here on the blog, my monthly wrap-up of May reading progress went live at the beginning of the week. Then, I shared my blog tour review of Witch Hunt by B.D. Spargo on Thursday. If youre into thrillers set in the infamous backdrop of Lancashires Pendle Hill, this is definitely one to look at!

Over on YouTube, I shared my monthly wrap-up for May, as well as my June TBR. If youd prefer to watch or listen to those as opposed to reading the details here, there are links for you to check those out! Finally, I also posted my round-up of this week just a short time ago. Id like to hope youll carry on reading as youre here. However, if you would prefer to watch or listen to my update instead, you have the option ??

 

Books Read

Heir of Fire

In last weeks Sunday Summary, I shared hopes to finish Heir of Fire after publishing that weekly update. Well, good news, friends – I did! And you know what, it wasnt too late either. I maybe went to bed around 00:20. A bit later than usual (although that used to be my normal).

I really enjoyed Heir of Fire. Whilst the beginning of the book was a little slower-paced, the action has us inevitably ramping up pace and eager to get to the conclusion. Its set up the next book in the series well, and Im excited to read on and find out more in the very near future!

 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Another finish to report in this Sunday Summary is Somewhere Beyond the Sea. As of last weeks update, I was 80% into this audiobook and I had around two and a half hours remaining.

Well, I made pretty light work of it, if Im honest. The office was quieter than usual this week with many people opting to WFH. Locally, weve been hosting the TT this week. Whilst I cant say we had the best of luck with weather and red flags delaying and/or calling off the races, the disruption meant many opted to stay at home and avoid the traffic and general disruption.

I, however, went into the office. I make no secret of the fact I dont like WFH and so I continued to go in. As it was so quiet though, and I had some repetitive work to do, I was able to listen to Somewhere Beyond the Sea at the same time.

This was a fun listen, and Im glad I am now up-to-date with this series. Im not sure if any more books are planned, but as of right now Im caught up. Its cosy, wholesome and great to see the children come into their own and develop confidence and solidarity. The only downside of the experience is that this book did not qualify for the Pride Month award in the Goodreads Spring 2026 Reading Challenge like I hoped. However, I wasnt able to tell when I chose my book and on reflection, none of the books on my TBR would have qualified anyway. At least I can tick another book off the TBR though, which is a win!

 

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon

Over the course of this week, Ive progressed with Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon by James Hibberd. This carryover from my May TBR was another great read and well received. If you are unfamiliar, this book is about the challenges and behind-the-scenes detail of filming the TV show. Personally, I enjoyed the commentary on the challenges of filming such an epic show and doing what nobody else has done before.

However, its not just director commentary. We get tidbits from the cast and crew that make up the whole show. Actors decisions on changes from the books, as well as how theyve chosen to portray characters and how they think the characters felt at various and often divisive moments of the plot.

I loved this book. Then again, I love A Game of Thrones. Hardly surprising the book would go down well, is it?! Since last weeks Sunday Summary, I read the final 350 pages or so to finish Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon yesterday.

 

Project Hail Mary

Id only just started Project Hail Mary when I updated you last week. Overall, Id only listened to the first 1hr 20mins or so when we last chatted. Over the last 7 days, Ive listened to around 7 hours of audio. In terms of progress, that brings me to around 70% total progress in the audiobook.

Ive been listening to the audiobook at x1.4 speed. Its not often I can listen this fast, but this particular audio works well at this speed. Its also an engaging storyline. We start the book in the perspective of present-day Ryland, who wakes up on a spaceship with two deceased colleagues. He has no memory initially of how or why he is there, but slowly flashbacks return his memory and remind him of his purpose.

I had one blip with this book when a certain character is introduced. I felt it was a little farfetched, but it very quickly warmed on me. So, despite my reservations, Ive really enjoyed the audiobook so far. Im hopeful I can finish the remaining 3 hrs 40 mins very soon and discover how this book ends. I honestly have no idea where this is going to go at present!

 

The Pillars of the Earth

Finally, Ive started The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett this weekend. Given I only finished Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon yesterday, Ive not had a lot of time with this book as yet.

So far, Ive only read the first 42 pages. Its a token start, but one Im hoping to build on in coming weeks. My plan for this book is to read it slowly over the course of the month. To achieve that, I need to read a minimum of 42 pages a day. I still need to read todays quota of pages, but Im hoping I can read a little beyond that tonight and get a little ahead.

 

Books Discovered

This week has given the type of progress I can only hope for – several books off the TBR and no new additions! It doesnt happen very often, lets be honest.

 

Coming Up

What Im Reading

So, reading plans for next week! In terms of audiobook listens, my plan is to progress with and finish Project Hail Mary in the first half of the week ideally. Then, Id like to move on to start Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas and start the next phase of my readalong ??

In terms of physical reads, Im hoping to maintain progress with The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett so I can complete this ahead of the end of June. That means reading around 42 pages a day, so I need to be around 380 pages in time for my next Sunday Summary. Thats not the only book on my physical TBR Id like to pick up this week. Around that, Id like to break this up with Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma Trzs.

 

Blog

Ive got a couple of fun posts planned for you next week. One of these is on the back of news I read towards the end of last week about some UK libraries not being permitted to promote events around the likes of Pride Month and Black History Month. I have thoughts on the move by Reform UK who run Essex County Council, so Ill share more on that in the coming days.

On Friday, Ill return with another First Lines Friday feature. One thing Ive become very aware of recently is the size of my unread physical TBR. My plan is to take a look at some of those and find a suitable feature from the ranks. Hopefully, it inspires me to pick it up soon!

Finally, Ill return with another Sunday Summary update. I can only hope for another week of similar reading productivity. If I can, Junes TBR will be a breeze.

 

YouTube

Today I recorded two review videos for next week. I want to be sure I dont get behind. So, next week Im sharing my thoughts on the second book of my Throne of Glass readalong, Crown of Midnight.

Ive also recorded a review for another romance genre novel. That one is An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn. I hope you can take a look at those videos as they go live in the coming days.

Like here, Ill also share the equivalent of my Sunday Summary video update next Sunday.

 

Summary

Thanks for reading this Sunday Summary. Im glad to share such a productive week, and can only hope it continues!

What book have you finished recently, and what did you make of it?

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