Hey lovelies, I hope you’re all doing well! I know I’m a little late again with this post, but with the school holidays are keeping me busy, June’s books are making their appearance a little later than planned. I’ve still been making plenty of time for reading whenever I can, though, including on a nice family holiday, and I’ve loved getting lost in a mix of familiar favourites and books that were completely new to me.
June was definitely one of those months where reading came in all sorts of shapes and moods, and I can’t quite believe how quickly we’ve already reached the halfway point of the year! Some books were quick little reads that I flew through, while others took a little longer to settle into, but each one brought something different. I’ve also really enjoyed picking up recommendations at book clubs that I probably wouldn’t have chosen for myself previously, and it’s been lovely discovering some unexpected great reads along the way.
Reminder: The Vision for the Book Afghan
To maintain cohesion, I’ve used the same block pattern for the entire afghan (grab the free pattern here), working with yarn from my stash and selecting 4 colours that reflect and are closest to (as I’m not buying new yarn!) the book’s cover design.
Here’s what I accomplished in June 2026:
- Total Books Read: and Squares Completed: 9 / 18
- Total New Authors to me this month: 5
- Running total of new authors so far 24 / 50 (Almost half way at the half way point – hurrah!)
Pin for later:
June 2026 Reads and Squares
Book 42: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating historical novel set during NASA’s Space Shuttle programme in the 1980s. The story follows Joan Goodwin, a brilliant astronomy professor who is selected to join NASA’s space shuttle training programme. As she prepares for a mission that will take her into space, Joan forms deep connections with the other astronauts and finds herself questioning the life she has built on Earth. Blending ambition, love, friendship and the dangers of space exploration, the novel explores what it means to reach for the impossible.
Review: This was a really engaging novel, and the opening chapters immediately drew me in, although I felt the pace slowed a little after that. The strongest parts for me were the scenes set in space, which I found particularly captivating. I did enjoy the central love story, but it didn’t quite blow me away. Overall, a good read with some really strong moments, particularly when the story ventured into space.
Book 43: Into the Fire (DI Helen Grace #13) by M J Artlidge
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Into the Fire by M. J. Arlidge is the thirteenth book in the DI Helen Grace series. Helen finds herself facing another dangerous and complex investigation when a seemingly random act of violence exposes a darker threat. As the case unfolds, Helen and her team must race against time to uncover the truth while confronting danger from unexpected directions. Packed with tension, twists and the fast-paced storytelling the series is known for, the novel puts Helen through another gripping and deadly investigation.
Review: Another great read featuring Helen Grace. I was hooked from the start and found this to be a gripping addition to the series. The tension really builds towards the ending, which definitely left me wanting more. A thoroughly enjoyable read and well worth picking up if you’re a fan of the series. I can’t wait for the next one to be released!
Book 44: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke follows Natalie Heller Mills, a hugely successful “tradwife” influencer who has built her online empire around an idealised version of traditional family life. But one morning she wakes up to find herself living that life for real—in the brutal reality of 1855, without the modern comforts and conveniences she has taken for granted. As Natalie struggles to survive, she must work out whether she has travelled through time, been caught in an elaborate hoax, or something far more sinister is happening.
Review: I picked this up because of all the hype and it turned out to be such a weird book! Despite the main character being incredibly unlikeable, I found it strangely compelling and couldn’t stop reading. I deliberately went in blind without knowing too much about the story, and it definitely didn’t turn out the way I expected. An interesting and clever read, with a twist at the end that I really didn’t see coming.
Book 45: Keep it in the Family by John Marrs
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Keep It in the Family by John Marrs is a dark psychological thriller about Mia and Finn, a young couple renovating their new home while preparing for the arrival of their first baby. When Mia discovers a chilling message hidden in the house, Finn investigates the attic and uncovers evidence of horrific crimes committed there. As Mia becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the house’s disturbing history, she begins to realise that some secrets may not belong entirely to the past – and that her own family could be in danger.
Review: I really enjoyed this thriller! It was packed with twists and turns and was a real page-turner that kept me hooked throughout. The fast pace and dark storyline made it very easy to keep reading, and I loved trying to work out what was going to happen next. I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves a fast-paced serial killer thriller.
Book 46: The Girl in the Cellar by Maryann Webb NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Girl in the Cellar by Maryann Webb is a dark psychological thriller following Izzy Blake, who has been held captive and chained in a cellar for almost a year. Her world changes when a woman enters the cellar, and Izzy quickly realises she is the wife of the man who has been keeping her prisoner. With danger closing in and secrets beginning to surface, both women must find a way to survive. A tense and twisty story exploring captivity, abuse, fear and the secrets hidden behind closed doors.
Review: This was a really compelling, fast-paced and nicely twisty read that kept me turning the pages. I know a lot of people didn’t like the ending, but I actually thought it worked quite well and tied everything up nicely. There were plenty of twists along the way to keep me guessing, making this an enjoyable and entertaining thriller.
Book 47: Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli is a tense psychological thriller inspired by true events. When a school bus is hijacked in broad daylight, driver Jessa and ten children are kidnapped and buried underground inside a shipping container. With the air running out and their captors demanding a ransom, Jessa and twelve-year-old Sage must find a way to keep the children calm and work together to outsmart their kidnappers before it’s too late
Review: This was a fast-paced and emotionally charged read that had me hooked from the start. Although the premise might seem far-fetched, I couldn’t believe it was actually inspired by real events, which made the story even more unsettling. This was my first time reading Noelle W. Ihli, but I don’t think it will be my last!
Book 48: Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe follows twenty-year-old Margo Millet, who finds herself pregnant after an affair with her college English professor. Suddenly a single mother with an infant, no job and mounting financial worries, Margo needs to find a way to support herself and her baby. With help from her estranged ex-wrestler father and her flatmate, she turns to OnlyFans, where her creativity and storytelling soon make her an unexpected online success. But as her new career takes off, Margo discovers that internet fame comes with its own complications and challenges.
Review: I picked this up because of all the hype but wasn’t really sure what to expect. It turned out to be a really unique story, with interesting and wonderfully flawed characters. It offers a sensitive look at single parenthood, drug abuse and sex work, while still being witty, warm and surprisingly funny. A really enjoyable and different read.
Book 49: The Book of the Unknown Midwife by Meg Elison NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 stars (out of 5) ⚠️ Content warning: includes strong descriptions of violence and abuse of all kinds against women.
Synopsis: The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel set after a devastating plague has wiped out most of humanity, with women and children particularly badly affected. An unnamed midwife survives the disease and awakens to a world where civilisation has collapsed and women are dangerously scarce. Disguising herself as a man and travelling under false names, she journeys through the ruined United States, using her medical skills to help others while doing everything she can to survive.
Review: I feel a bit haunted by this book. It was gripping from the start, bleak in places, and some parts were quite shocking and difficult to read. The characters felt believable, and the story was thought-provoking throughout. Really well written and definitely a book that has stayed with me. As the first in a trilogy, I’m going to have to read the rest!
Book 50: The Measure by Nikki Erlick NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Measure by Nikki Erlick is a thought-provoking speculative novel set in a world where mysterious wooden boxes suddenly appear on everyone’s doorstep. Inside each box is a string revealing the exact number of years that person has left to live. As people struggle with whether to discover their fate, society begins to change, and relationships, careers and life choices are affected by this extraordinary knowledge. Through the interconnected stories of several characters, the novel explores love, friendship, destiny and what it really means to make the most of the time we have.
Review: I thought the premise of this book was really interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the first half. I liked how all the characters’ lives were entwined and how the story developed with various twists along the way. The ending worked well for me and gave me all the answers I needed about everyone’s story. Overall, an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
All the books so far
Don’t want to scroll and look for all the books that I’ve read so far? Well I’ve put together a handy list in my Amazon storefront so you can see all the books in one place: Go to the book list
Looking Ahead to Summer Reading
As we continue into the summer, I’m looking forward to another month of reading, discovering new stories and hopefully finding a few more unexpected favourites along the way. I’m still loving being part of three book clubs, and my TBR seems to be growing faster than I can work my way through it thanks to all the brilliant recommendations!
So, as always, I need to know… what should I be reading next? Whether it’s a thriller, historical fiction, memoir or something completely outside my usual picks, I’d love to hear your recommendations and add a few more to the ever-growing list. After all, every great suggestion could become another square on the blanket! 🧶📚✨
Stay tuned for next month’s updates. Until then, happy hooking and happy reading!
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