Time for an update on my 2025 Crochet Book Blanket project. July has brought some truly great reads, and I’m loving how each one inspires a new square – and with my reads for this month it takes me up to 50 books read and 100 squares made so far!
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I wondered if the square-making might start to feel like a chore, but it hasn’t at all, in fact, I’m really enjoying the mindfulness that comes with following an easy, relaxing pattern.
Recap of my 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 colours that reflect the book’s cover design. The ultimate goal? A warm, meaningful blanket that doubles as a literary keepsake.
Here’s what I accomplished in July:
- Total Books Read: and Squares Completed: 8 books read / 16 squares made
July Reads and Squares
Book 43: The Tennant by Frieda McFadden
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐3.5 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Tenant by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller about Blake, a man who rents out a room in his home to cover bills after losing his job. His new tenant, Whitney, seems perfect until strange and disturbing things begin happening. As the tension escalates, Blake realises Whitney may be hiding dark secrets – and that trusting her could cost him everything.
Book 44: Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I really enjoyed Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty, a funny and heartfelt story about thirty-three-year-old triplets; Lyn, Cat, and Gemma, whose tight bond, fierce personalities, and distinctly different life choices culminate in a dramatic birthday dinner in Sydney where Cat hurls a fondue fork at the unexpectedly pregnant Gemma. With its mix of humour, family drama, and emotional twists, it kept me hooked, and I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
Book 45: The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie by Frieda McFadden
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I really wanted to like The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie: A Satirical Novella, but it ended up being my least favourite so far. It’s a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek take on the domestic thriller: a grieving widow keeps seeing her dead husband’s face everywhere, unlocking a web of absurd twists and parodying every cliché in the genre. Unfortunately, the satire felt more silly than clever in places, with over-the-top caricatures and forced gags that left me rolling my eyes instead of laughing. Certainly meant as satire – but for me, it didn’t quite land.
Book 46: Home Stretch by Graham Norton
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I didn’t love Home Stretch as much as some of Graham Norton’s other books, but it was still a solid read. Set in 1987 in rural Ireland, it follows Connor, the survivor of a tragic car crash that kills three of his friends, as he flees shame and blame at home and rebuilds his life across Liverpool, London, and then New York. It’s a moving exploration of secrets, identity, and the pull of one’s roots.
Book 47: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I was pleasantly surprised by We Solve Murders as I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as The Thursday Murder Club series. It stars a new detective duo; Amy, a high-energy private security pro, and her father-in-law Steve, a retired cop who’d much rather stick to pub quiz nights and petting his cat – but they’re thrown headlong into a global caper when Amy is framed for multiple murders. It’s a globe-trotting adventure packed with humour, quirky characters, and warm and trusty relationships.
Book 48: Room by Emma Donoghue
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I found Room by Emma Donoghue incredibly haunting – in the most powerful way. Narrated by five-year-old Jack, who believes the small room he’s confined to is the entire world, the story plunges you into a world of innocence locked in captivity. As Jack and his “Ma” navigate their grim reality with unwavering love, routines, and imaginative play, the narrative crackles with raw emotional intensity. The escape and the overwhelming adjustment to the outside are just as affecting: tender, unsettling, and unforgettable. Truly, a story that lingers long after the last page.
Book 49: Do Not Disturb by Frieda McFadden
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐3.5 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I’m working my way through all of Freida McFadden’s books, and Do Not Disturb was a quick, twisty read. It follows Quinn, on the run after killing her abusive husband, trapped by a snowstorm and forced to seek refuge at the eerie Baxter Motel, with a mysterious owner, a lingering silhouette in the window, and plenty of secrets hiding behind that “Do Not Disturb” sign. Not my favourite of hers, some parts felt a little predictable, but still an entertaining stop on my McFadden journey.
Book 50: Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐3.5 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I thought Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty was an intriguing setup; nine stressed strangers arrive at the upscale Tranquillum House wellness retreat, each carrying emotional baggage. Under the direction of the enigmatic Masha, they endure increasingly extreme sessions (silence, bizarre therapy, micro-dosing psychedelics) that spiral into psychological manipulation and emotional revelations. But it wasn’t my favourite Moriarty book – the story veers into genuinely strange territory, and by the end it felt a bit weird rather than satisfying.
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 list in my Amazon storefront so you can see all the books in one place: Go to the book list
Looking Ahead to August
As we head into August, I’m looking forward to diving into more great reads and seeing how they’ll inspire the next squares in my Crochet Book Blanket. Each book brings its own mood and colour palette, and it’s been such fun watching the blanket evolve. If you’re joining in, don’t forget to share your updates with the #KCACOUKBookCAL2025 hashtag.
What’s the best book you’ve read this summer? I’m always looking for new recommendations – drop yours in the comments 👇.
Stay tuned for next month’s updates. Until then, happy hooking and happy reading!
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