Hey lovelies, I hope you had a lovely summer! Between the school holidays and work I definitely tried to make the most of the summer – and grab any reading opportunities. And I do feel that I did manage to squeeze in plenty of reading whenever I could, and there’s been something especially nice about having a book to hand during those holiday summer moments.
July was a real mix of reads for me, with plenty of variety and a few books that completely surprised me. I’ve continued to love stepping outside my usual choices too, especially thanks to the recommendations coming from my book clubs. It’s amazing how often a book I might never have picked up on my own ends up being one of the ones I enjoy the most! 📚☀️✨
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 July 2026:
- Total Books Read: and Squares Completed: 10 / 20
- Total New Authors to me this month: 6
- Running total of new authors so far 30 / 50
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July 2026 Reads and Squares
Book 51: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is a gripping psychological thriller centred on Sarah Morgan, a successful criminal defence attorney, and her husband Adam, a struggling writer. When Adam’s mistress is found murdered at their lake house, he becomes the prime suspect and faces the death penalty. Sarah takes on the difficult task of defending her own husband, but as the investigation unfolds, secrets, lies and betrayals begin to emerge, leaving the question of who is really responsible for the murder hanging in the balance.
Review: I really wanted to like this one, but there were just too many discrepancies for me to overlook. I found the characters a bit ridiculous at times, and I guessed who had done it almost straight away, which took away some of the suspense. That said, I’d probably give another book by Jeneva Rose a try before passing judgement on her other books.
Book 52: The Book of Etta by Meg Elison
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 Etta by Meg Elison is the second book in the Road to Nowhere trilogy, set generations after a devastating plague has decimated the human population. Etta, a young scavenger from the settlement of Nowhere, rejects the traditional roles expected of women and instead travels beyond the community, rescuing women and girls from brutal slave traders. When people she loves are captured, Etta sets out on a dangerous mission that brings her face-to-face with the ruthless Lion, a tyrant who controls a vast territory.
Review: Fast-paced and really well written, with the same dark themes as the first book. This series is definitely turning into some of the best books I’ve read in a while. It kept my interest from start to finish, with believable characters and a thought-provoking story. I’m thoroughly enjoying this trilogy and can’t wait to see how it continues.
Book 53: Other People’s Houses (DC Morgan #3) by Clare Mackintosh
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Other People’s Houses by Clare Mackintosh is the third book in the DC Morgan series. When DC Ffion Morgan discovers the body of an estate agent in a Welsh lake, she begins investigating what appears to be a suspicious death. Meanwhile, DS Leo Brady is dealing with a series of break-ins on an exclusive Cheshire street, where someone seems to be searching for something – or someone. As the two cases collide, Ffion and Leo uncover a web of secrets, jealousy and deception behind the seemingly perfect homes.
Review: I accidentally read this one out of order, as I didn’t realise until halfway through that it was the third in the series! However, you can definitely read it as a standalone. It was a good, twisty thriller that was easy to read and had plenty of likeable characters. I really enjoyed it and will now have to go back and read books one and two!
Book 54: The Vegetarian by Han Kang NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Vegetarian by Han Kang follows Yeong-hye, an ordinary South Korean woman who abruptly decides to stop eating meat after a series of disturbing nightmares. Her decision, seemingly simple at first, gradually becomes an act of rebellion against her family and society. Told through the perspectives of those closest to her rather than Yeong-hye herself, the novel explores control, identity, desire and the consequences of refusing to conform. Dark, unsettling and deeply symbolic, it examines what happens when one woman attempts to reclaim control over her own body and life.
Review: This was a book club pick and not something I probably would have picked up myself. It’s a very odd book, with some content that was quite difficult to read at times. Despite that, I found it strangely compelling and it certainly gave me plenty to think about. It’s definitely not a happy story, and I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, but I’m glad I gave it a go.
Book 55: I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a haunting post-apocalyptic novel about a young girl imprisoned underground with thirty-nine women. Watched over by silent guards, none of them know why they are there or what has happened to the world outside. When an unexpected event allows them to escape, the women emerge into a strange and seemingly deserted world, where they must learn to survive and search for answers. As the girl grows up, she begins to question what it means to be human, while confronting isolation, freedom, loss and the mysteries of a world she has never known.
Review: Another book club pick, but one that had been on my list of books I wanted to read. Another dystopian novel, but with such a fascinating concept – experiencing life through the eyes of a woman whose existence is so far removed from our own. Beautifully written, unique and thought-provoking, this was a really interesting and memorable read.
Book 56: I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5) ⚠️ Content warning: miscarriage / infant mortality
Synopsis: I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell is a memoir told through seventeen encounters with death that have punctuated her life. From a serious childhood illness and a terrifying encounter with a stranger to accidents, medical emergencies and the ongoing challenges of protecting her daughter, O’Farrell reflects on moments when her life could have ended. Beautifully written and deeply personal, the book explores vulnerability, resilience and the preciousness of life.
Review: Another book club pick, and memoirs aren’t usually something I’m drawn to. However, this was beautifully written and much more uplifting than I expected. Although it focuses on 17 brushes with death, it isn’t a collection of sadness; instead, it feels almost celebratory, reminding us just how precious life is. A really interesting and moving read.
Book 57: Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon is a raw and honest memoir about her twenty-year struggle with alcohol and drug addiction and the journey that eventually led her to sobriety. Gordon recounts the darkest moments of her addiction and the impact it had on her relationships, family, work and mental health, before describing the difficult process of recovery through rehab, support groups and self-reflection. Despite its difficult subject matter, the memoir is also funny, hopeful and ultimately uplifting, offering an honest look at addiction, recovery and learning to accept yourself.
Review: From one memoir to another! This was passed on to me by a friend and, again, not usually something I’d choose myself. However, I found this warts-and-all account of the author’s alcoholism really interesting and engaging. It’s honest without holding back, and gave me plenty to think about when it comes to the nature of addiction and the difficult road to recovery. A thought-provoking read.
Book 58: Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5) ⚠️ Content warning: includes child abuse and suicidal ideation.
Synopsis: Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre is a powerful memoir recounting her life, from childhood abuse and a difficult adolescence to her grooming and trafficking by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre describes the abuse she endured, her encounters with powerful and influential men, and her eventual escape and determination to speak out. The book also follows her fight for justice and her work to advocate for other survivors, offering a deeply personal account of trauma, resilience and finding the strength to reclaim her voice.
Review: I ran with the memoir month and decided to read another one, this time borrowed from someone at book club. This was a particularly hard read and ultimately a very sad story, with layer upon layer of abuse suffered by the author throughout her childhood and early adulthood. It’s a difficult but powerful account that really stays with you.
Book 59: The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes NEW AUTHOR TO ME
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes reimagines the myth of Oedipus through the perspectives of Jocasta and her daughter Ismene. The novel explores their lives within a troubled royal family, as secrets, violence and fate shape their relationships and choices. Moving between their perspectives, Haynes offers a powerful retelling of a familiar Greek tragedy, examining motherhood, family, power and the consequences of living in the shadow of a devastating prophecy.
Review: I love a Greek myth retelling, so I was excited to read The Children of Jocasta, but unfortunately I didn’t really gel with the characters. I also found the dual timelines a little irritating at times, and while nobody necessarily wants to read about incestuous relationships, that is such a central part of the tragedy of Oedipus that I felt some of the drama was lost by offering a different explanation. That said, it was well written and an interesting take on a familiar story, and I would definitely read more by Natalie Haynes.
Book 60: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern follows Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a graduate student who discovers a mysterious book containing a story from his own childhood. Following a series of strange clues, he is drawn into a secret underground world filled with books, myths, pirates and hidden doors. As Zachary explores this magical labyrinth with Mirabel and Dorian, he uncovers its secrets and finds himself caught up in a battle to protect this extraordinary world and the stories within it.
Review: I really wanted to love this book as much as I loved The Night Circus. Whilst it was beautifully written and had that same magical, atmospheric quality, it just didn’t grab me in quite the same way. At times I found it a little confusing with so many different storylines woven together, and some of it was just so wonderfully strange that I wasn’t always sure what was going on. That said, there was something “achingly beautiful” about it, and I can appreciate the magic even if it wasn’t quite the book I hoped it would be.
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 More Reading
Another month, another excuse to add a few more books to the ever growing TBR. I’ve discovered so many books through other people’s suggestions, whether in person or in book clubs, that I may not have picked up otherwise. But I’m always keen to hear what you’ve been reading too – let me know if the comments below. 📖✨
Stay tuned for next month’s updates. Until then, happy hooking and happy reading!
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