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I am excited to share more book blog posts in 2025, starting with what I read in January! I managed to read 3 books in January, which comprised 2 fiction and 1 non-fiction. One book was a physical copy which I bought from a charity shop in December. Another was a digital ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) and the third book was from my library app, Borrow Box. This year I intend to read a minimum of 5 books that I already own. It sounds like such a small amount, but I often forget to read books I already own – often opting to use the library instead.
Add me on StoryGraph (carolinesreads) to follow along.
Wintering by Katherine May

StoryGraph synopsis:
Wintering is a poignant and comforting meditation on the fallow periods of life, times when we must retreat to care for and repair ourselves. Katherine May thoughtfully shows us how to come through these times with the wisdom of knowing that, like the seasons, our winters and summers are the ebb and flow of life.
Blackwells* | Bookshop* | World of Books
What I thought:
I was really looking forward to reading Wintering as I had heard great things about the book. I struggle in winter and do tend to feel more down at this time of the year than any other. I was hoping to read a book that would inspire me, and get me to fall in love with winter. I did enjoy parts of it, in particular, this quote: “Once we stop wishing it were summer, winter can be a glorious season”. But other parts I felt didn’t always flow and were less about winter. I wanted to love this book, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
My rating:
βββ
Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of the book.
StoryGraph synopsis:
Ruby is happily sworn off men. Thereβs nothing she needs that canβt get from her friends, cat or, frankly, the wonders of modern technology. So when her flatmate tricks her into going on a singles cruise, sheβs furious.
Thankfully, Ruby isnβt the only one on board under false pretences. Cameron also had no idea what he was letting himself in for. So after Ruby and Cameron strike up a conversation, they agree to platonically pair off, to protect each other from the flirtatious advances of the other guests β not to mention the matchmaking efforts of Barry, the enthusiastic host.
Thereβs just one problem. Cameron isnβt just in the same boat as Ruby β heβs also good-looking, kind and fun. As they explore the picturesque towns of the Mediterranean, Ruby finds herself enjoying his company much more than sheβd intended.
Can Ruby keep her heart safe, or will she be in too deep by the time the boat docks at its final destination?

What I thought:
Overall I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down! It’s a lovely light-hearted, feel-good romance. As well as Ruby and Cameron, I enjoyed reading about the other characters on the cruise and seeing how the cruise panned out for them. Something else I loved was the amount of description there was rather than just the plot. I really felt like I was on the cruise too! The only thing that put my rating down a star was the abrupt ending. I felt like there should have been a few more chapters, and we reached the epilogue rather quickly.
My rating:
ββββ
Continue reading: What I read in January 2025
Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop by Kenji Ueda, translated by Emily Balistrieri

StoryGraph synopsis:
Hidden away in a corner of the Ginza neighbourhood is a venerable stationery shop. To venture inside is to find everything your stationery-loving heart desires, from the most delicate paper to fountain pens that fit exactly to the shape of your hand to gorgeously coloured inks. The shop owner intuits your every need, inviting you to take a seat at a small wooden table on the top floor, where you’ll find the words flowing, helping you unlock repressed memories, secret longings and your own mysteries.
To this shop comes a young company employee, uncertain in his career and needing a connection back to his past; the hostess of an elegant club; the vice-captain of a high-school archery team, an ageing businessman and a formerly homeless sushi chef. With impeccable manners and a warm demeanour, the shop owner helps each of them with more than just their stationery needs.
Blackwells* | Bookshop* | World of Books
What I thought:
Although I enjoy fiction, this isn’t the type of fiction book I would usually read, but I love stationery which immediately appealed to me. This book is so heartwarming and peaceful, and in the nicest way possible it was a lovely book to read before bed. It really relaxed me in a way that no other book has. I would really recommend reading this book β‘. I really hope that the author writes similar books in the future.
My rating:
ββββ
What books did you read in January 2025?
Caroline β‘
It’s great to see what you’ve read in January. I love the sound of that book by Phoebe Macleod x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I would really recommend x
Hook, Line and Single sounds like one Iβd like to read! Have a great week Caroline!
It was really good!
Hook Line & Single sounds like a good read. I’m still in the process of reading the Housemade books!
Rosie
Ooh I’ve not read them yet!
Interesting books, I love fiction reads as well, but I haven’t checked these books. I will add them to the list, thank you for sharing them.
Thank you for reading π