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Showing posts with label book recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book recommendations. Show all posts

Sunday, 30 November 2025

November Reading Recap: Books, Thoughts & Bookish Highlights

 

November Reading Recap Overview

November was a wonderful month for reading, filled with a mix of anticipated ARCs, delightful new discoveries, and a few unexpected reads that challenged my usual tastes. Whether you follow for book recommendations, honest reviews, or just to keep up with the latest bookish buzz, this recap will share everything you need to know from this month’s literary adventures.


Books I Read This Month

Bianca's Cure ARC (to be released February 10,2026)

A Million Miracles ARC (Released November 12,20260

Near Death ARC (Released November)

An Unwitting Match ARC (Released 2025)

Where We Belong ARC (To be released April 2026)

 Her Christmas Rescue ARC (Released November 2025)

The Courtship Trap ARC (Released July 2025)

The Hidden Lord ARC ( Released November 20,2025)

Spring Rain ARC(Released April2,2025)

A Scandal Changes Everything ARC (To be released January 2026)

The Shadows of Stormcliffe Hall ARC (originally released in 2008 but now being rereleased)

Lady Ludmilla"s Accidental Letter 

Ghost of Spirit Bear (2008)

Lady Averly's Guide to Guile and Peril ARC (Released November 18)

To Forge Her Fate

A Proper Governess

The Rules of Courtship

A Decret Correspondence

Aong of the Forgotten ARC (To Be Released December 21,2025)

What Worked and What Didn’t

November was a heavy month for ARCs. I was really happy to have been able to read some amazing upcoming titles.

  • I tried to find books to tie in with my month's theme, Remembrance Day, but was only able to fit 2 titles in. A Million Miracles and Her Christmas Rescue. I read a lot of Regency Romance this month. It seemed to be what most of the authors needed reviewers for this month.

  • I am shaken by the fact that, gulp, don't come for me, Variations by Rebecca Yaras was one of my DNF. I read a ton of reviews to see if I had gone totally mad, but I found this particular book is a love it or hate it book. It had people all over the 5-star and many who gave it 2. I read the first 5 chapters and had to give up. I usually know within the first few chapters if I hate something so I DNF it rather than leaving a scathing review.

  • November found me curled up with my Kindle on several bleak days. I also found that there were several books that kept me reading late into the night just because they were that good.

  • I tried to clear out as many ARCs as possible in November because I know that December will be full of Christmas preparations. I hope to have my December tbr filled with cosy Christmas stories.


ARC Releases & Anticipated Titles

November brought some exciting ARC reads with upcoming release dates that I can’t wait to share. A Million Miracles and Where We Belong were two of my favourites.

Notable Bookish Happenings in November

Kindle Inserts: What can I say? I fell deeply down that rabbit hole. I spent hours scouring Pinterest for examples of what other Kindle Girlies were doing, then several more on Creative Fabrica looking for images to use. 

November is when a lot of my favourite content creators start setting up their new reading journals. I, of course, have mine, not started at all, but I'm brimming with ideas.


I spent some time thinking about any reading challenges I am interested in participating in this year. I was tempted to try the magical readathon, but it seemed very involved for me. I did join the Ghosty Goobers Discord channel, so I will get the information for the 2026 run. I am also going to try to do the Goodreads challenge. Are you doing any challenges next year? Let me know in the comments below.


Final Thoughts on November Reads


That was my November. I am content with the variety of books I was able to read. There seems to be another Glen Cooper for me to read every month, and I feel like it balances out all the sugary romance I read. There is nothing left to do now except print off my month-end wrap-up on Storygraph and get it in my reading journal. Fingers crossed that I can squeeze December in there as the pages are dwindling quickly.


Thank you for visiting My Grandma’s Teacups November Reading Recap! I hope you found some inspiration for your own book pile or added some must-reads to your wishlist. As always, I'd love to hear about what you’ve been reading, so drop your November favourites or thoughts in the comments below!

Happy reading!




Saturday, 18 October 2025

10 Proven Ways to Reach Your Annual Reading Goals and Love Every Page

As we begin to think about setting reading goals for 2026, it can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Whether you want to read more for fun, personal growth, or book reviewing like I do at My Grandma’s Teacups, having practical steps can keep you inspired and on track. Here are 10 proven ways to reach your annual reading goals, making the journey enjoyable and rewarding.

1. Choose Books You Love

The foundation of any successful reading plan is picking books that genuinely excite you. Dive into your favorite genres—be it cozy mysteries, heartfelt romances, or uplifting nonfiction. When you love what you read, picking up your book feels less like a task and more like a treat. Consider looking on Amazon for new releases or special interests, and just see what calls to you. Joining a program like NetGalley will allow you to read many new titles for free.

2. Set SMART Reading Goals

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals help create a clear roadmap. For example, aim to complete a book every month or read 20 minutes daily. This structure balances ambition with realism, helping you stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. That does not mean you have to stop once you meet your daily goal. If you have some extra time to indulge in a captivating book, take this as permission to treat yourself.

3. Break Books into Manageable Chunks

Big books can seem intimidating if you look at them all at once. Break your reading into small daily or weekly chunks, like 10 to 20 pages a day. This gradual approach keeps momentum going and helps you enjoy even the lengthiest stories without stress.

4. Explore Diverse Genres and Formats

Keep your reading routine fresh by exploring new genres or trying different formats such as eBooks and audiobooks. Switching things up invites curiosity and keeps your reading experience exciting. Have you tried a graphic novel or a memoir from a new author lately?

5. Establish a Reading Routine

Create a daily habit by tying reading to an existing routine. It could be a page with your morning coffee or a chapter before bedtime. Building this habit makes reading a natural, enjoyable part of your day. I find turning off the tablet and just reading until I am tired is a lovely way to end the day.

6. Join Reading Challenges or Themed Months

Give your reading list focus with book challenges or monthly themes. Maybe read a classic this month or pick books by diverse authors in the next. These fun prompts add variety and keep your reading goals fresh and inspiring.  

7. Track Your Progress

Logging your books and pages read can be hugely motivating. Use a journal, an app like Goodreads, or even a simple checklist. Watching your progress grow gives you little celebrations along the way, boosting your enthusiasm to keep turning those pages. I use Goodreads and Storygraph to keep my list online, and then I use trackers like pixels at a glance, bookshelf layouts, series trackers, and lists to keep a visual progress history, which fuels my motivation. There is nothing as rewarding as filling in a tracker with all your reading milestones.

8. Engage with a Reading Community

Reading is often more fun when shared. Join a local or online book club, or simply discuss your reads with friends or followers. These connections spark new ideas, deepen your love of books, and add accountability to your goals. If you do a group search on Goodreads, you will find hundreds of groups that would love to discuss any genre you are interested in. You don't have to limit yourself to Goodreads, though; Facebook and Instagram have vibrant bookish communities.

9. Use Audiobooks and eBooks for Flexibility

Audiobooks let you “read” while cooking, commuting, or exercising, making it easier to meet your goals during busy days. eBooks are equally convenient, letting you carry your library wherever you go, so you never miss a reading moment. I have to admit it took me quite a while to embrace audiobooks. I thought it was akin to just watching the movie. I was so wrong. I listened to the entire Fourth Wing series (I know The Empyrian) but I remember it better as the Fourth Wing Series, on Audible. It was so much fun. Every time that I jumped in my truck to run an errand or take my kiddo somewhere, I played it. It felt like a little treat to reward myself for actually getting out of the house and getting things done.

10. Set Realistic Expectations Based on Your Schedule

Lastly, be kind to yourself by setting goals that suit your lifestyle. Instead of pushing to read too much at once, find a pace that fits your day. Realistic goals ensure reading stays a pleasure, not a pressure.

By embracing these strategies, reaching your annual reading goals becomes an adventure rather than a daunting task. Whether you’re a casual reader or a dedicated book lover, these tips will help you grow a lasting reading habit filled with discovery and delight.

Do you keep track of your reading goals? Add any ideas to the comment section below. Feel free to leave links to any helpful articles.

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