Read: December 29, 2024

Summary: The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan is a festive and heartwarming novella set in the small Scottish village of Mistletoe. The story centres around Nina, who works at the local bookshop, as she prepares for the annual Christmas Book Hunt, a fun and unique event where villagers search for books hidden throughout the town. As Nina and her friends work together to organize the hunt, the novella explores themes of love, friendship, and the magic of books during the holiday season. It’s a charming and uplifting read, perfect for fans of cozy, feel-good Christmas stories.

My Thoughts: The novella was a delightful and cozy holiday read with lovable characters. As with most Christmas books and movies, it was a little cheesy which I appreciated. It had it’s charm and I really enjoyed that it centred around books and book lovers and Christmas enthusiasts alike. I appreciated the warmth, humour, and festive spirit which made it a perfect escape during the holiday season. While it’s a light, quick read, it beautifully captures the joy of books, friendship, and the magic of Christmas.

Read: December 24, 2024

Summary: “A Heart for Christmas” by Sophie Jomain is an Advent novel told over 24 chapters, meant to be read daily from December 1 to Christmas Eve. It follows 18-year-old April, a heart transplant recipient, as she spends Christmas at her father’s chalet in the Alps for the first time since her surgery. There, she reunites with Augustin, her best friend’s brother, and confronts fears while opening herself to love and healing. Set against a festive backdrop, it’s a heartwarming story of self-discovery, romance, and holiday magic.

My Thoughts: A Heart for Christmas was an averagely heartwarming and cozy advent novel that perfectly captured the spirit of the season. The story is full of charming characters with all the drama that entails being a teenager on Christmas holiday. It beautifully weaves themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, making it a perfect read for anyone looking to embrace the holiday season with a little extra heart. Truly a delightful, cozy read that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Read: December 19, 2024 

Summary: Babel by R.F. Kuang is a dark fantasy novel set in 1830s Britain, exploring themes of language, colonialism, and power. The story follows Robin Swift, a young scholar from Canton, who is brought to Oxford’s prestigious translation institute, Babel. There, he learns the art of translation, which allows its practitioners to wield magical power through the manipulation of language. As Robin becomes entangled in the institution’s political schemes, he grapples with the moral complexities of using this power for the benefit of the British Empire. Torn between his loyalty to his friends and his own sense of justice, Robin must decide whether to use his knowledge to challenge the system that exploits both his homeland and marginalized peoples. The novel explores the intersections of language, empire, and resistance, offering a critique of colonial exploitation and the cost of power. 

My Review: Babel was a really good, thought-provoking novel that captivated me from the first page. I enjoyed the narrative and the themes throughout the novel. It blended historical fiction, fantasy, and politics really well. 

The central them of language as a tool of power and resistance is masterfully weaved throughout the novel. The world building around the use of translation magic, where words themselves hold the key to power, adds depth to the story. The added footnotes and the practicalities of language and linguistics gave the story a unique edge over other fantasy novels. 

That evening, they sat in a fairy-lit beer garden, sharing a bratwurst. “I knew you’d love it here,” Jake murmured, his hand tracing circles on hers as she rested her head on his shoulder.

After a comfortable silence, Amelia finally spoke. “Jake, what happens after this weekend? I don’t want to go back to calls and texts.”

Jake set his beer down, his gaze steady. “I’ve been thinking about that too. I can’t keep doing the distance. I talked to my boss about transferring to London. It’s not official yet, but it’s possible. I want us to be together.”

Her breath hitched. “Are you serious?”

He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek. “I’ve never been more serious. I don’t care where I am, as long as it’s with you.”

A slow, tearful smile spread across her face. “I love you, Jake. I was so afraid the distance would change things, but it hasn’t.”

He kissed her, sealing promises of everything they’d yet to say. “I love you too. And I’m done with the distance.”

On their final morning, they found a café as golden light streamed through the windows. Amelia stirred her coffee, her gaze thoughtful.

“So,” he began softly. “Last breakfast before you head back. Think it’s up to par?”

She smirked, taking a bite of her croissant. “If you’re trying to butter me up so I won’t leave, it’s working.”

“Had to try.” He chuckled, glancing out the window.

She nodded, smiling. “It feels natural, like we never missed a beat. But… how are we going to do this again?”

Jake reached across the table, his hand covering hers. “Hey, I meant what I said. We’re going to be together soon.”

Amelia squeezed his hand, her expression softening. “I know you will. I just don’t want us to lose ourselves along the way.”

Jake studied her, thoughtful. “Amelia, you’re my home. It’s not about the city. The job, the location—they’re details.” He pressed a kiss to her fingers. “I can’t do this distance again.”

Her heart swelled. “Then let’s promise to be a team, no matter where we end up.”

He gave her a crooked grin. “Deal. I’ll even learn to cook for you.”

“Big promises,” she teased, blinking back tears. “But I’ll take it.”

When the time came to leave, Jake pulled her into his arms. “You better save me a spot on that tiny couch of yours.”

“It’ll be waiting for you,” she whispered.

One last kiss, and then Amelia slipped out the door, glancing back one last time. Jake stayed at the window, watching her until she rounded the corner. This wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a new chapter, one they’d write together.

The S-Bahn ride to Prenzlauer Berg flew by in a blur of conversation. Jake, always a storyteller, filled her in on life in Berlin, his eyes lighting up as he described his favorite spots: the hidden bars, quiet parks, and bustling markets. Amelia listened, her hand entwined with his, loving the way he spoke like every word was just for her.

“See that?” He pointed to the Fernsehturm at Alexanderplatz. “It’s my cooking companion. Not that I actually cook.”

Amelia grinned. “Six months, and still nothing beyond toast? Tragic.”

“Toast is an art form, thank you very much,” he said with a laugh.

The easy banter soothed their hearts. When they finally reached his building, a modest place tucked between a bookshop and a café, he led her up the narrow stairs with a boyish excitement.

“I can’t wait for you to see it,” he said, swinging open the door to a cozy apartment flooded with warm sunlight. A shelf in the corner was filled with books they’d promised each other they’d read, reminders of late-night calls about dreams and ambitions.

“Ta-da! Welcome to my humble lair.” He set her suitcase down, watching her expectantly.

Amelia looked around, smiling. “It’s perfect.” She stepped closer, noticing his nervous smile.

“And it smells like you,” she added, teasingly.

He laughed. “Good or bad thing?”

“Good,” she replied, slipping her arms around his waist. “Definitely good.”

He kissed her forehead, his hands resting on her back. “I kept worrying something would go wrong, that you’d change your mind.”

She looked up, her gaze steady. “Nothing could keep me from being here, Jake.”

He tilted her chin, their eyes meeting before he leaned in to kiss her. The months apart faded away.

They spent the afternoon exploring Berlin. Strolling hand in hand along the East Side Gallery, they paused to admire the murals. Amelia was drawn to a painting of two figures locked in an embrace, hands grasping as if afraid to let go.

Jake noticed her expression. “What’s on your mind?”

Amelia smiled, a hint of wistfulness. “It reminds me of us. Holding on, even when everything tells us to let go.”

He squeezed her hand, serious. “I know this hasn’t been easy. Some days I’d look at my phone, wishing I could be with you, and nothing else felt right.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “I felt the same way. I kept trying to focus on school, but I missed you more than I thought possible.”

They found a bench by the river, sharing a pretzel from a nearby vendor. Jake, determined, attempted to order in German, making Amelia laugh.

“Hopeless,” she teased, wiping mustard from his mouth.

He grinned, undeterred. “You love me anyway.”

She kissed him, tasting salt and mustard. “Always.”

The October air in Berlin was crisp, filled with the smoky scent of roasted chestnuts and the earthy undertones of damp leaves—a sharp contrast to London’s wet chill that Amelia had grown used to. She took a deep breath, pulling her scarf tighter, clutching her suitcase as she stepped off the train at Berlin Hauptbahnhof. She’d been counting down to this moment for months.

After what felt like a lifetime apart, she was finally going to see Jake.

Their story had begun with a mishap on a rainy day in Toronto. She’d been working a late shift at a convenience store to save for her master’s degree when he came rushing in, soaked and flustered after realizing he’d left his wallet at home. Amelia laughed at his predicament, her quick wit making him smile, and before long, she’d learned his story—a writer-turned-consultant, curious and perpetually unprepared. Jake had an irreverent charm that brightened any room. After that night, they were inseparable—until ambition tugged them to opposite ends of the world.

Jake was stationed in Berlin, pouring himself into a high-stakes consulting project, while she was studying literature in London, pursuing her dream of becoming a professor. The months apart were harder than either had anticipated; texts and calls were poor substitutes for the warmth of an embrace, the comfort of shared silence. This trip was a lifeline, a chance to reconnect and see if they could make this work.

Amelia scanned the bustling platform, her gaze darting over travelers, her heart racing. Would he look the same? Would the connection still be there?

“Amelia!”

She spun around, and there he was, a familiar grin under a worn leather jacket. For a moment, she stood frozen, and then she moved without thinking, the suitcase forgotten.

“Jake!” Her voice caught between a laugh and a sob of relief.

He crossed the platform in a few strides, wrapping her in his arms, lifting her off her feet. The world faded.

“You’re finally here,” he murmured into her hair, his voice thick with emotion.

She melted into him, inhaling the familiar scent of leather and cologne, feeling her months of longing dissolve. “I missed you so much,” she whispered against his chest.

He pulled back to look at her, his blue eyes softer than she remembered. “Let me see you.” He studied her face, a glimmer of awe in his gaze. “Even more beautiful than I remembered.”

She rolled her eyes with a laugh, nudging him. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s always true.” He kissed her forehead, his warmth a balm to her lonely nights. “Come on,” he said, reaching for her suitcase. “Let’s get you home.”

Read: November 13, 2024 

Summary: The Handmaid’s Tale graphic novel adapts Margaret Atwood’s classic dystopian story into a visually compelling format illustrated by Renée Nault. The novel follows Offred, a woman forced into servitude as a “handmaid” in the theocratic regime of Gilead, where women’s rights and freedoms are stripped away. Through Nault’s haunting watercolor artwork, readers experience Offred’s struggles, defiance, and resilience as she navigates a society that reduces her to her reproductive function. The graphic novel enhances the original’s themes with vivid visuals, making Gilead’s world more immersive and emphasizing the emotional weight of Offred’s journey. 

My Review: Although I haven’t read Margaret Atwood’s novel yet, the graphic novel served as a great intermediary between the TV adaptation and the original story. For fans of the show, this adaptation offers a fresh way to experience the dystopian world of Gilead. 

Renée Nault’s watercolor illustrations are hauntingly beautiful, with muted palettes contrasting sharply with the red of the handmaids’ cloaks. Each panel draws readers into Offred’s world, capturing her quiet defiance, fear, and resilience through expressive artwork and oppressive settings. Seeing how Nault interprets these moments was a new way to engage with the story. 

Next, I plan to read the original novel to explore how Atwood’s narrative was reinterpreted both in the show and in this graphic novel. I’m excited to see how the symbolism and visuals—like the iconic red uniforms and the rigid architecture of Gilead—translate across these different formats. 

Rain fell relentlessly over the streets of Toronto, a symphony of droplets against the concrete backdrop. Inside a small convenience store nestled in the heart of Harbord Village, the atmosphere was a stark contrast—warm, inviting, and alive with the hum of fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. The shelves were stocked with colourful snacks and beverages, and the faint scent of fresh coffee mingled with the sweet aroma of chocolate. 

Amelia stood behind the counter, absently tapping her fingers against the register, the smooth surface cool beneath her touch. The dull monotony of her night shift was interrupted only by the occasional jingle of the door, heralding another drenched customer seeking refuge from the storm. 

It was during one of these entrances that fate intervened in the form of a dishevelled man named Jake. His clothes clung to him like a second skin, water dripping from his dark hair onto the scuffed linoleum floor. Amelia looked up from her magazine, momentarily captivated by the sight of this frazzled stranger, his cheeks flushed from the cold. 

“Rough night, huh?” she said, offering a sympathetic smile as Jake approached the counter, a puddle forming beneath his soggy sneakers. The fluorescent lights flickered slightly, casting a warm glow that made the space feel even cozier. 

Jake chuckled, running a hand through his wet hair. “You have no idea. My umbrella didn’t stand a chance.” 

Amelia laughed, her voice a melody in the quiet store. “Well, lucky for you, we have everything you need to dry off and warm up. How about a hot cup of coffee?” She gestured toward the steaming machine, its gentle gurgle providing a comforting backdrop. 

Jake’s tired eyes lit up at the suggestion. “Coffee sounds perfect right now. Thanks.” 

As Amelia prepared the cup, the rich aroma of brewing coffee enveloped them, mingling with the scent of fresh pastries displayed behind the glass case. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as they shared their disdain for rainy days, favourite city spots, and the challenges of late-night shifts. The convenience store, with its glowing neon signs and the familiar hum of the refrigerator, became a haven from the storm outside. 

Time slipped away, and as the clock struck midnight, Jake realized he had spent hours in the store, laughing with Amelia. The rain showed no signs of letting up, and he hesitated before deciding to brave the weather once more. 

“You know,” he said, looking into Amelia’s eyes with newfound warmth, “I hate to leave this cozy spot, but I should probably get going. It’s late, and who knows when this rain will let up?” 

Amelia smiled, a twinkle in her eye. “I hope you find some dry land out there. Come back anytime you need a break from the storm.” 

Jake nodded appreciatively, paying for his coffee and exchanging one last lingering look with her before stepping back into the torrential rain. The door jingled softly as it closed behind him, and Amelia couldn’t shake the feeling that their encounter was more than just a fleeting moment on a rainy night. 

In the weeks that followed, Jake became a regular at the convenience store. Each visit brought new stories, laughter, and a growing connection. The once mundane aisles transformed into a backdrop for their evolving romance, the flickering lights and the soft hum of the store becoming a comforting presence. 

One evening, as the rain pattered against the windows, Jake approached the counter with a small, wrapped package in his hands. The warmth of the store enveloped him, contrasting with the chill outside. “I was walking by the bookstore down the street, and I saw this,” he said, handing it to Amelia. “Thought you might like it.” 

Curiosity sparkled in Amelia’s eyes as she unwrapped the gift, revealing a vintage copy of her favourite novel. Her face lit up with surprise and delight. “How did you know?” she asked, genuinely touched. 

Jake grinned, a hint of blush colouring his cheeks. “You mentioned it during one of our conversations. I figured it would be a nice addition to your collection.” 

Their connection deepened as they shared dreams, fears, and the intricacies that made them who they were. The convenience store, once just a place for snacks and late-night essentials, became a canvas for their love story, with each aisle holding a memory. 

As seasons changed, so did their relationship. The rain that had brought them together gave way to the vibrant hues of spring. They explored the city, discovering hidden gems and creating memories against Toronto’s urban canvas. From charming cafes to rooftop views, their romance blossomed with each shared moment. 

One day, as the sun set over the city, casting a warm glow across the skyline, Jake took Amelia back to the convenience store where it all began. The familiar jingle of the door announced their entrance, and the cozy warmth wrapped around them like a soft blanket. 

Nervously, Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “Amelia, you’ve made these rainy nights the highlight of my life. Will you make every day brighter and be my partner in this adventure?” 

Amelia gasped, her eyes welling up with tears of joy as Jake opened the box to reveal a delicate ring. “Yes, Jake,” she whispered, the simplicity of the convenience store transforming into the most magical place in the world. 

Their love story, born amidst raindrops and convenience store aisles, had come full circle. As they embraced, the door jingled again, and a customer entered, seeking shelter from the night. Little did they know that, in the quiet corners of the convenience store, another love story might be waiting to unfold, sparked by a chance encounter on a rainy night in Toronto. 

Read: November 6, 2024 

Summary: In Love on the Brain, neuroscientist Bee Königswasser lands her dream job leading a project at NASA, only to discover she’ll be working alongside her academic nemesis, Levi Ward. Bee and Levi share a tense history—Bee is convinced he’s always disliked her. However, as they tackle their project’s challenges and face workplace hurdles, Bee starts to see a different side of Levi. The tension between them begins to transform, blurring the line between rivalry and attraction. Packed with humour, STEM-inspired adventures, and unexpected teamwork, Love on the Brain explores whether opposites really do attract and if love can blossom in even the most competitive of environments. 

My Thoughts: Love on the Brain delivers a story packed with STEM-driven themes and quirky humour, but ultimately falls into an average read. While the enemies-to-lovers trope and neuroscience backdrop offer some entertaining dynamics, the plot and character development feel somewhat predictable. The protagonist, Bee, is charming yet occasionally overly quirky, which can detract from the story’s emotional depth. I previously read The Love Hypothesis and found some familiar enjoyment reading Love on the Brain, but it didn’t quite capture the same spark, resulting in a light and pleasant romance. 

Read: October 22, 2024 

Summary: It Starts with Us is a sequel to Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us. The story follows Lily Bloom as she navigates her relationship with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, while grappling with her past and the complexities of motherhood. The novel delves into themes of love, healing, and the importance of making choices that break cycles of abuse. As Lily strives to create a better life for herself and her daughter, the narrative explores the challenges and triumphs of building healthy relationships. 

My Thoughts: It Starts with Us offers a decent continuation of Lily and Atlas’s story, but it doesn’t quite capture the emotional depth of its predecessor. Colleen Hoover’s writing is straightforward and accessible, making it an easy read. The characters are relatable, but at times they feel a bit predictable. While the themes of love and healing are important, some plot points can feel rushed or underdeveloped. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read for fans of the first book, but it may not leave a lasting impact.