The best authors are those who read extensively. Here is what I’ve been reading lately.

If you're interested in learning more about the non-fiction books I've read and the insights gained from them, be sure to listen to the Two Booked Up podcast.

December started with a bang, publishing my second novel, No More Simon Says, and celebrating my eldest son’s eighteenth birthday. A month of two halves, the first few weeks were hectic, but the second half was all about relaxing with family, which, of course, means reading!

I read some terrific fiction, both novels and short stories, all of which were lots of fun. I was also delighted to read some life-changing nonfiction, including how to live a good life based on the longest-running longitude study out of Harvard about what makes a happy life.

Fiction Reads

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

I loved Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club series and was very excited to read this new book, the first in a new series. It didn’t disappoint! Steve Wheeler is enjoying his retirement when his daughter-in-law, Amy, a private security officer, finds herself in danger while protecting a world-famous author on a remote island, discovering a dead body and a bag of money in the process. Desperate for help, Amy sends an SOS to Steve, leading them both on a thrilling race around the world to escape a deadly enemy. With his trademark humour and terrific storytelling, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend!

Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson

She is one of my favourite authors; this is her first book in ages! Maggie Alderson was the author I devoured in my twenties and early thirties, so when I saw she’d published a new book on December 3 (BTW, the same day as my book, No More Simon Says!) I couldn’t resist. Sophie, with her children grown, is suddenly widowed, and only moments before her husband’s death, he’d told her he was leaving her. Is she a grieving widow? Or a wronged wife? Or both? A deliciously warm, witty and moving story of love, family, second chances and starting over. A perfect summer read!

Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne

This book is a holiday romance by a prolific author duo that writes under the name Piper Rayne. Last year, I listened to another of their standalone holiday romance books, Single and Ready to Jingle, which was great fun. So, when I saw this audiobook, I thought I’d give it a go! I enjoyed this light-hearted, easy-to-read story. Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong does. Even so, by the end of their journey, neither is sure anymore what they want, aside from each other. Warning: There are some spicy scenes in the second half, so not one to listen to when kids are around. 🙊

This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley

Another holiday romance audiobook because I was on a roll! Stories of cold, snowy holidays are ideal to listen to as I traipsed around the park with the dog, sweating in the heat and humidity of Sydney summer. This one was an enemies-to-lovers, brother’s-best-friend, forced-proximity Christmas rom-com (all the fun tropes). Nina Thompson has one Christmas wish: to avoid her brother’s obnoxiously handsome best friend, Tristan, like the plague. But a snowstorm destroys that wish. Instead, the two sworn enemies are snowed in over Christmas with chemistry that will melt the ice! It is definitely an adults-only read/listen.

Nobody’s Perfect by Sally Kilpatrick

A fun ‘between Christmas and New Year’ read. Vivian Quackenbush leads a typical life with her best friends, a college-age son, and husband Mitch. However, after twenty-five years of marriage, Mitch asks for a divorce, claiming he no longer loves her. In response to her anger and frustration, Vivian posts a candid video online that goes viral, drawing a mix of reactions from her family and the media. Embracing her newfound attention, she starts her journey of self-discovery, contemplating her future and the possibility of new connections, including with the single father next door. Enjoyable to read a story about a woman in her forties rediscovering who she really is.

Recipe for Second Chances by Ali Rosen

Selected on holiday from the books residing in my Kindle, was this second-chance romance. Stella heads to the Italian countryside to celebrate her best friend's wedding and escape her unsatisfying life as a recipe writer. But Samuel, her ex who she hasn't seen in ten years, is also there, and old feelings resurface. As they spend time together amidst delicious food and wedding festivities, Stella begins to question her past choices and whether Samuel was truly the one who got away. Great descriptions of delicious Italian food, the multi-day festivities of an Indian wedding and a painfully anxious protagonist in Stella. Made me want to eat Italian and Indian foods!

Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

A seasonally-themed short story by Ali Hazelwood was too enticing and didn’t disappoint! Former childhood friends Jamie Malek, a pediatrician, and Marc, a tech billionaire who also happens to be her best friend’s brother and the one who got away, are snowbound during a winter storm. Jamie just wants to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner, but being stuck with the man who broke her heart turns out to be more eye-opening and enjoyable than expected. A lot of fun and a quick read.

Non-Fiction Reads

The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz

The Good Life: Lessons From The World’s Longest Study On Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz

One of my very well-read contacts on LinkedIn recommended this book, and it didn’t disappoint! The Good Life attempts to answer the following questions: What makes for a fulfilling and meaningful life? What makes for a good life? Based on findings from the 80-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development, this landmark book reveals the simple yet surprising truth—the stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and overall healthier lives. An engaging read.

How to Have an Epic Retirement by Bec Wilson

I first learned about this book after reading Bec Wilson’s weekly informative column in the Sunday newspaper. In "How to Have an Epic Retirement," Bec outlines six essential pillars for a fulfilling retirement: time, money, health, happiness and fulfilment, travel, and your home. This guide shares practical insights and lessons from modern retirees, helping you navigate the changes that come after retirement. Every retiree can achieve an Epic Retirement, and this book shows you how.

The Season by Helen Garner

After reading many rave reviews, I decided to try this book. I’d not read anything by Helen Garner before and was pleasantly surprised. I listened to the audiobook version, read by Helen herself, which added to my enjoyment. The book is set during the footy season (AFL) in Melbourne, and Helen Garner is following her grandson's under-16s team. She not only goes to every game (give or take) but also to every training session, shivering on the sidelines at dusk, fascinated by the spectacle. I’ve never been interested in AFL, but I enjoyed this sojourn into the game.

Saltwater Cure: True stories of the transformative power of the ocean by Ali Gripper

This book was also released on December 3 (see above, Would You Rather) and is a collection of true stories about the power of the ocean for transformation and healing and why it's so essential for us to protect it. Ali Gripper is an Australian journalist, and especially for Australians, the ocean symbolises our summer holidays and a source of happy memories—no wonder it holds such significance. With stories from many prominent and well-known Australians, "Saltwater Cure" reminds us of nature's restorative power and inspires us to preserve the beauty of our oceans for future generations to enjoy.

What have you been reading lately? Do you have a recommendation for a book you read and loved?

*Please note that while I enjoy supporting local bookstores and libraries, I also recognise and appreciate the convenience of purchasing books online. This post may include affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase using one of these links.