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.

January is usually holiday time, and after the publication of my second novel, No More Simon Says, in December, I was ready for a lovely break. January was all about relaxing with family, which, of course, means beach time and reading!

It was a big month of reading with a total of twelve books read, including lots of terrific fiction, all of which inspired feelings, from tears of sorrow to laughing out loud. Speaking of which, I laughed until I cried with some of the Australian nonfiction I read too.

Fiction Reads

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

I’d seen this book recommended by many book reviewers and a few other authors, too, so I was looking forward to reading it. The Blue sisters—Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky—are exceptional yet very different. The death of their beloved sister, Nicky, leaves them shattered. A year later, they reunite in New York to confront the sale of their childhood home, discovering that by coming together, they can navigate their grief, addiction, and heartbreak, ultimately learning to embrace life again. Highly recommend.

Now or Never by Janet Evanovich

She is one of my favourite authors for crime with a feisty female lead; this is the newest book (number 31) in the Stephanie Plum series. Having read all the previous books in order, this one was a natural addition to my summer reading. As always, it's lots of fun as Stephanie hunts a potential vampire, a Robin Hood-style thief who’s gone viral on YouTube and juggles her two fiances. Yes, two! With laugh out loud moments and great detective writing, this book was a joy to read from start to finish.

Happy After All by Maisey Yates

This book is a holiday romance by a prolific romance author, but I didn’t know any of that when I purchased it! So it was a bit of a surprise, but a good one. The lead character, Amelia, is complicated with a messy past and a lot of grief, including, like me, the stillbirth of her child. Again, I didn’t know that going in. However, Maisey dealt very sensitively with what can be a highly triggering subject, and by the end, I was hoping the characters would get together and make it work. A sure sign of a good romance book!

Back To Us by Rachel Hanna

I listened to this book and chose it because our dog was very sick, and I wanted something to distract me when I was feeling anxious. I’d not read any of Rachel Hanna’s writing, and really enjoyed this clean, gentle romance. Indy Stone returns to her hometown of Peach Valley after the unexpected death of her brother, who leaves her to care for her teenage niece, Harper, whom she has never met. As she navigates her new role while managing her career as a therapist, Indy reconnects with her old middle school friend, Drake Woods, who is also Harper’s favourite teacher. An easy, gentle read.

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter

Again, I’d been keen to read this TikTok sensation book and was thrilled it lived up to the hype! I’d read two other books by Lynn Painter, so I knew what to expect. Even so, I was surprised by how quickly I devoured this book! Liz wants Michael, but Michael is friends with Wes, and Wes offers to help Liz reconnect with Michael. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. Great dialogue, fantastic music references and genuinely lovable, believable and complex characters made this a terrific teen rom-com.

Nothing Like The Movies by Lynn Painter

Yes, the sequel! I don’t usually read two books by the same author so close together, but a two-week break felt like enough for these books - I wanted to know what happened between Liz and Wes! Wes and Liz were happy together, but tragedy ended their relationship just before college. Now, back together at UCLA, Wes is determined to win Liz back with grand gestures, but she’s not interested. He must navigate her new friendship with a guy while trying to rekindle their romance. I read this book cover to cover in a day; it was that unputdownable. 🥰

Funny Ethnics by Shirley Le

Funny Ethnics immerses readers in Western Sydney through the eyes of Sylvia Nguyen, a Vietnamese refugee’s daughter and a self-doubting student. This novel explores themes of identity and belonging as it portrays a multicultural landscape filled with quirky characters and experiences. Through snapshots of Sylvia’s life, it reveals the bizarre nature of ordinary Australian life, highlighting everything from suburban fortune tellers to crumbling friendships. It was a joy to read a book set in Sydney, and this coming of age story showcased part of Australia we rarely see.

Venetian Lessons In Love by Jenna Lo Bianco

Australian author Jenna Lo Bianco published three books in eleven months in 2024, which is incredible! This is the third book, but they are not a series. Lucia Trevisan, Venice's most eligible bachelorette, just experienced the best kiss of her life, but she doesn't know who it was with. After losing her parents in a tragic accident and being nicknamed l'Orfana, she now runs their Italian language school in solitude. When the school's future is at risk, Lucia must step out of her comfort zone to fight back, all while dealing with distractions like a masquerade ball and a new grumpy neighbour. Set in Venice, the wintery setting is different from the summery Venice we see on screens (and from when I visited many years ago), and I appreciated the descriptions of the lesser-known parts of the famous island.

Non-Fiction Reads

Keep The Memories, Lose The Stuff by Matt Paxton

I’d wanted to read this book since it was first published, so when I saw it was finally available in Australia as an ebook (after waiting more than a year!) I purchased it immediately. I appreciated Matt’s compassionate and systematic approach to downsizing. He acknowledged that our boxes of photos, china, and kids' height charts hold a lifetime of memories, making it tough to let go. Full of practical tips and easy to read, this book is one I will refer back to again.

Best Wishes: Making The World a Better and Less Annoying Place One Wish at a Time by Richard Glover

This book, a Christmas gift in 2023, had been sitting on my TBR (To Be Read) shelf for twelve months. With the new year and an intention to read more of the books I already own, it was time! As with the few other books I’ve read by Richard (an Australian journalist, writer and radio host), this one had many funny, relatable anecdotes and stories, including one about the specifics of garbage collection and recycling that had me weeping with laughter. Easy to dip into and come back to, this book was perfect to read on a summer vacation.

A Bit On the Side by Virginia Trioli

Another book by an Australian journalist, Virginia Trioli, writes about the enduring joy of life, which is often found not in the big moments but in the small. When the main course is heavy, the 'bits on the side' bring joy. This book celebrates life's small pleasures with wisdom, stories, memories, and recipes, all infused with her unique humour. Fair warning—you’ll want to eat all the delicious food after reading the evocative descriptions! Luckily, recipes are included.

Coastal Blues by Phoebe Howard

Browsing my library app and looking for something appropriate to read on vacation at the beach, this book caught my eye. An illustrated book focused on decorating with beautiful blue colour schemes (my favourite colour), this book delivered. Filled with inspiring images of beach houses, seacoast getaways, vacation cottages, and luxurious seaside manors, it was perfect for reading a few pages and getting inspired! I also appreciated the colour scheme suggestions and design and styling advice.

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.