Book 1: When The Body Says No by Gabor Mate

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Book 2: Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hay

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Book 1: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

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Book 2: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

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Book 3: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

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Note: I received Advance Listening Copies (ALCs) from LibroFM of all the three book.

Book 1: Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage by Kim Nash

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Book 2: The Italian Village in the Hills by Victoria Springfield

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Book 3: The Book Club Boyfriend (Must Love Hockey #2) by Kendall Ryan

Book 1: Every Day I Read by Hwang Bo-Reum

Before I even opened this book, I was already in love with the cover. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The kind of cover that makes you want to buy the book and hang a print of it on your wall.
Inside, Every Day I Read is a collection of short, thoughtful essays that are easy to dip into and surprisingly comforting. Hwang Bo-Reum’s passion for reading shines through every page, and her reflections on books, reading habits, and choosing what to read feel both personal and relatable.
One section that particularly stayed with me was her discussion about forgetting what we’ve read. As someone who occasionally panics after realizing I can barely remember the plot of a book I enjoyed six months ago, I found her perspective reassuring. Bo-Reum argues that books change us while we’re reading them, and that their impact remains even when the details fade. I needed that reminder.
At first, some of the advice felt almost too simple. After all, if you’re picking up a book about reading, chances are you don’t need much encouragement to read more. But as the essays build upon one another, they gradually create a thoughtful exploration of how books shape us intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
What resonated most was the belief that stories help us make sense of the world and ourselves. Fiction can bring order to internal and external chaos in ways that is difficult to explain.
A warm, reflective read for anyone who loves books and occasionally wonders why they matter so much.

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Book 2: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

You read it once and remember for a lifetime.
Maya Angelou’s memoir is heartbreaking, powerful, beautiful, and deeply human all at once. With remarkable honesty and grace, she recounts her childhood experiences, transforming personal pain into a story of resilience, identity, and self-discovery.
What amazed me most was Angelou’s voice. Even when writing about difficult and traumatic experiences, her prose remains lyrical, insightful, and filled with compassion. She has an extraordinary ability to make readers feel every emotion while never losing sight of hope.
I found myself pausing to reflect, and rereading sentences simply because they were so beautifully written. Few books manage to be both emotionally devastating and profoundly uplifting, but Angelou accomplishes exactly that.
An unforgettable classic that reminds us why Maya Angelou remains one of the most important literary voices of our time.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings on Amazon

Book 3: Gather Together in My Name by Maya Angelou

Gather Together in My Name completely captivated me. Maya Angelou has an extraordinary ability to write about hardship, mistakes, resilience, and survival with such honesty that you can’t help but be drawn into her world. This memoir follows her young adulthood, and what unfolds is a journey that is often messy, heartbreaking, surprising, and deeply human.
What struck me most was Angelou’s refusal to present herself as flawless. She shares her experiences with remarkable candor, allowing readers to witness not only her struggles but also her growth. No matter what challenges life throws at her, Angelou moves forward with courage, curiosity, and determination. Even in her darkest moments, there is a sense of hope and resilience that shines through the pages.
Her writing is, unsurprisingly, magnificent. Every chapter feels alive with emotion, observation, and wisdom. Few authors can make everyday experiences feel so profound, but Angelou does it effortlessly.
An unforgettable memoir from one of the greatest voices in literature. Five stars on paper, ten stars in my heart.

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Nerdplay is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug for anyone who’s ever found their people in an unexpected place.

What I loved most was the camp’s welcoming atmosphere. The found-family dynamic is wonderfully done, creating a space where everyone can embrace their interests without judgment. The quirky supporting cast adds plenty of charm, making the camp feel like a community you’d happily move into if fictional real estate were a thing.

Cricket and Charlie were equally delightful. Their chemistry feels natural, their banter is consistently entertaining, and their relationship develops in a way that is both sweet and satisfying. Charlie’s journey was especially rewarding. Watching him evolve from a tightly wound lawyer into someone willing to embrace his inner nerd and discover where he truly belongs added real emotional depth to the story.

My only reservation was that the central conflict occasionally felt a little too low-key. Given the legal and financial issues driving the plot, I expected higher stakes and a bit more tension. The story remains engaging throughout, but a stronger sense of urgency would have elevated it even further.

That said, the heart of this book lies in its characters, relationships, and sense of belonging. If you’re a fan of found family, nerdy passions, lovable side characters, and romances built on genuine connection, Nerdplay is an easy recommendation.

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• October Breezes (October Breezes #1) by Maria Rachel Hooley
• Ohh! Gods Are Online by George Dixon, Rashma N. Kalsie
• On a Night Like This (Callaways #1) by Barbara Freethy
• Once Upon A DharamYudh by Vibhor Tikiya
• One by Sarah Crossan
• One Corpse Too Many (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #2) by Ellis Peters
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Book 1: French Windows by Antoine Laurain (Author), Louise Rogers Lalaurie (Translator) 

French Windows was a delightful little novella and a wonderful audiobook experience.

Set within a Parisian apartment building, the story follows several interconnected lives, offering small but meaningful glimpses into the people behind the windows. I loved how each thread unfolded separately at first, only to gradually weave together into a satisfying whole.

What made it especially enjoyable was the constant feeling of “who’s helping whom?” The two protagonists seemed to be quietly influencing, observing, and unintentionally therapising one another in ways both that kept you questioning which way the story would go.

Character-driven, charming, and full of humanity, this is the kind of story that reminds you how interconnected our lives really are.

Book 2: The Labyrinth House Murders (The Bizarre House Mysteries #3) by Yukito Ayatsuji (Author), Ho-Ling Wong (Translator) 

The Labyrinth House Murders is the kind of mystery that makes you immediately want to flip back to the beginning once you’ve finished.

Built around a story-within-a-story, the novel openly claims to follow the fairness rules of classic detective fiction, laying out its clues for readers to find. Whether I was clever enough to catch them is another matter entirely. Human beings love believing they’re one step ahead of a mystery right up until a book politely proves otherwise.

What impressed me most was the narrative flow where every reveal feels deliberate, every detail carefully placed, and the ending reshapes everything that came before. I rarely encounter a final chapter that changes my understanding of a story so dramatically, but this one absolutely does.

This was my first visit to Ayatsuji’s world of impossible murders and elaborate puzzles, and it was enough to convince me that I need to continue with the series.

A clever, intricate mystery that rewards close attention and probably deserves a reread.

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The final explanation behind Strange Houses was… admittedly a little ridiculous. The kind of reveal that makes you stare at the page and think, “Humans really will do anything except communicate normally.”

But somehow, I still had a great time listening to the audiobook while referencing the illustrations on my paperback copy.

What fascinated me wasn’t the mystery itself, but the way the story unfolded through floor plans, architectural oddities, and tiny details hidden in plain sight. The houses become puzzles, and each new layout reveals another piece of something deeply unsettling.

It’s a slow-burn mystery where the spaces feel as important as the people. The creeping tension, the visual storytelling, and the gradual uncovering of secrets kept me turning pages long after I stopped believing the explanation would be remotely sensible.

How to Live your life offers its readers a few gentle truths, that somehow leave you feeling lighter than before. Made up of short, thoughtful chapters on love, friendship, dreams, luck, time, and happiness, it’s a book you can finish in under an hour. Yet many of its reflections linger long after you’ve turned the final page. Bond has a remarkable gift for expressing profound ideas in the simplest words, proving that wisdom doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.

What stayed with me most was the warmth running through every page. There’s an innocence and kindness to Bond’s writing that feels increasingly rare. Reading this book is like listening to a beloved grandparent share life lessons on a quiet afternoon, without judgment, without preaching, just gentle observations gathered over a lifetime.

It’s a beautiful little reminder to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the ordinary moments that make up a life. Few writers can say so much with so little. Ruskin Bond is one of them. This book may just melt your heart and help you reconnect with the part of yourself that still sees wonder in the world.

Book 1: The Memory Bookshop by Song Yu-jeong (Author), Shanna Tan (Translator)

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Book 1: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Book 2: The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

'The Song of a Dark Angel' is the eighth book in the Hugh Corbett series by P.C. Doherty, and it’s a fantastic medieval mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in November 1302, the story takes you to the chilly Norfolk coast, where Sir Hugh Corbett, a secret agent, is sent on a dangerous mission.

The book starts with Sir Hugh Corbett arriving at Mortlake Manor with his loyal servant, Ranulf, and a quick-witted messenger named Maltote. They’ve been sent to Norfolk to investigate some truly creepy and mysterious deaths. The first body they find is particularly gruesome: a man’s headless corpse, with his head stuck on a pole on the beach. Even more disturbing, the young wife of a local baker is discovered hanging from a gallows on a cliff. 

The Norfolk coast is as cold and eerie as the crimes they’re investigating. The winds that blow through the area are called the “Dark Angel” winds, adding an extra layer of spookiness to the story. Corbett and his team have to figure out who is behind these horrifying murders while dealing with the harsh environment and the secrets of Mortlake Manor.

Paul Doherty does an amazing job of making the historical setting come alive. The book is full of details about medieval life, which helps you really feel like you’re back in the 1300s. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an important part of the story, making everything feel more intense and realistic.

Hugh Corbett is a smart and determined detective. He uses his brains and his knowledge of politics to solve the mystery. His interactions with Ranulf and Maltote add a lot of depth to the story. Ranulf, in particular, brings some humor and warmth to the book, balancing out the darker parts of the plot. The mystery is very cleverly put together. Doherty keeps you guessing with plenty of clues and surprises. The reason Corbett has been sent to Norfolk is a big part of the puzzle, and as he uncovers more about the murders, the story becomes even more interesting. The cold, windy coast and the isolated villages add a creepy feeling that makes the mystery even more exciting.

Overall, 'The Song of a Dark Angel' is a thrilling medieval mystery that blends history with suspense. Paul Doherty has created a fantastic adventure for Hugh Corbett, full of twists, turns, and historical details that make the story really come alive. If you enjoy solving mysteries - without forensics and more human psyche, then this book is certainly for you.

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'To the Land of Long Lost Friends' is the 20th book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith, and it's another heartwarming read that fans of the series will love. If you’ve read the previous books, you'll be excited to see what Precious Ramotswe and her friends are up to next. If you're new to the series, I would suggest you read from the beginning to get some idea about the characters that are regular in the series and get acquainted with them before reading this book.

Precious Ramotswe is a detective who runs her own agency in Botswana. She’s known for her gentle, wise nature and always tries to do what’s right. Her assistant, Mma Makutsi, has a bit of a temper but is very dedicated to her work. She started off as a secretary but has become a detective with experience over time. She is quiet a powerhouse and has the agency running smoothly. Then there's Charlie, who helps out wherever he can and wishes to become a detective too.

In this book, Precious reconnects with an old friend who seems to be having problems with her grown-up daughter. The daughter has a fancy job and lives a luxurious life, which makes Precious suspicious. She also learns that another friend who used to be wealthy is now poor. Precious wants to help these people around her and make things right. There's another cub-plot of a case involving a woman who thinks her husband might be cheating on her. Nothing is as simple as it may seem, and it is upto Mma Ramotswe to sort out the tangled web in the most humane way possible.

The book (like most in the series) is not like most mystery novels that have lots of action and big secrets. Instead, it focuses on small, personal problems and how the characters handle them with kindness and wisdom. The mysteries are about everyday issues and mostly revolve around human connections. The book’s heart is in the way it shows how people connect with each other and solve their problems. Precious Ramotswe’s wisdom and caring nature shine through as she helps her clients. The characters have their flaws but are very relatable and real.

This series may not be full of fast-paced action, but it always offers a thoughtful and uplifting experience that the existing fans enjoy, and new readers will find a welcoming and comforting world to explore.

‘The Off Limits Rule’ presents a sweet and engaging romantic comedy that ticks many of the genre’s boxes: chemistry, humor, and heartwarming moments. This story, revolving around the forbidden romance between Lucy and Cooper, has all the trappings of a classic rom-com but struggles with a few predictable elements and some underdeveloped plot points.

When Lucy finds herself at rock bottom and moves in with her older brother, Drew. Her situation seems precarious but manageable until she meets Cooper, Drew’s best friend. The sparks between Lucy and Cooper are undeniable, but Drew, being the overprotective older brother, has strong reservations about Lucy dating his best friend. This sets up a classic "forbidden romance" scenario, complete with all the tension and drama one might expect.

Lucy is a protagonist who is easy to root for. She’s relatable and likable, dealing with the challenges of moving back in with her brother while managing the responsibilities of a single mother. Her character is imbued with charm and humor, and her interactions with Cooper are often endearing. The author does a good job of making Lucy’s struggle feel genuine, and her evolution throughout the story is both believable and satisfying.

Cooper, on the other hand, is painted as the quintessential perfect guy: flirtatious, adventurous, and impossibly good-looking. His charm and generosity are meant to offset his playboy reputation to make him more human. However, he feels too good to be true - even in fiction. While these characteristics make him an appealing romantic lead, it also makes him less relatable to us mortals. His character development lacks the depth needed to fully justify his transition from a carefree playboy to a devoted partner.

The character of Levi, Lucy’s young son, adds a layer of warmth to the story. His presence brings out a softer side of both Lucy and Cooper, and his interactions with Cooper are particularly heartwarming. Levi’s character is a bright spot in the narrative and adds a touch of realism to Lucy’s life as a single mother.

One of the book’s strengths is its humor. Adams excels at infusing the narrative with witty dialogue and creating humorous situations. The banter between Lucy and Cooper is one of the highlights of the book. I often had a smile on my face while reading this book. But at the same time, the humour in the book also took away from the seriousness of the central conflict of the story. Drew’s disapproval of Lucy and Cooper’s relationship felt a bit inflated. The “brother issue” that the plot hinges on is never fully explored or justified. At times, it seems like the obstacles to their romance are more about miscommunication and overthinking rather than substantial issues. This makes the conflict feel less impactful and the resolution a bit too easy.

Also, the book’s predictability is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the familiar tropes and predictable storyline make it a comforting read for fans of the genre. On the other hand, it lacks the originality  - whether in the plot itself or the characters or the narrative - making it a bit too cliched. It does not offer any surprises or fresh takes.

‘The Off Limits Rule’ by Sarah Adams is a cozy and charming romantic comedy that did have me smiling at times. However, it isn’t a book I would go out of my way to recommend to someone.

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Abbey’s seemingly perfect world comes crashing down in the blink of an eye. First, her boyfriend reveals he’s found someone else when she was expecting a proposal followed up by her losing her job for someone else's mistakes. Devastated and feeling lost, Abbey decides to invest all her savings into an apartment she’s always dreamed of and revamps her wardrobe to match her new beginning, hoping to fake-it-till-she-makes-it. Just as Abbey begins to embrace her fresh start, she faces another dilemma: her parent’s vow renewal celebration. Her ex-boyfriend, who is also a close family friend, will be in attendance along with a new date, leaving Abbey feeling exposed and awkward. To save face and avoid any potential embarrassment, Abbey hatches a plan to enlist her hot new neighbor, Ted, as her fake date.

What follows is a wonderfully entertaining narrative of fake dating that gradually evolves into something much more genuine. Abbey and Ted, initially brought together by their shared heartache and the necessity of a facade, start to develop a real connection. Their journey from strained acquaintances to a believable couple is marked by plenty of humor, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry.

Abbey and Ted are both well-drawn characters who bring depth to the story. Abbey is relatable and grounded, dealing with the fallout of her failed relationship and job loss with a mix of resilience and vulnerability. Ted, while initially a bit of a mystery, quickly emerges as a charismatic and supportive figure. His own struggles with a cheating business partner add another layer of complexity to his character, making him more than just the “hot neighbor.” The back-and-forth banter between them is sharp and engaging, providing a lot of the humor and warmth that makes this book such a joy to read.

However, the novel does have a few drawbacks. While the story is enjoyable overall, the ending feels somewhat rushed. I feel like there was scope for the author to show more of their individual growth and emotional healing. I am not convinced completely that they were truly 'okay' and recovered from the betrayals and Abbey's ex-boss just drunk confessing felt like a 'quick-fix' of a loop that wasn't really satisfactory.

All in all, this book is a charming and entertaining romance that’s perfect for fans of light-hearted, clean romances with a slow burn. Despite a slightly rushed ending, the book’s engaging characters and delightful chemistry between Abbey and Ted make it a worthwhile read. This book is for anyone looking for a feel-good-story.

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