I used to HATE reading, High School- University, reading was a huge chore to me. If I ever read, it was because I HAD to do it, it was never by choice.
Once uni was over and I was teaching fulltime, I was itching to fill my time during the school holidays and found myself reading a book and actually enjoying it!
I soon realised the books I was having to read for school or uni weren’t the only kinds of books out there, and that I actually really enjoyed reading crime/thrillers- No surprises there given that I love anything crime/thriller on the tv!

Since becoming a mummy, I haven’t read an entire book once. Tiredness, lack of time and endless ‘To do’ lists have meant I haven’t given myself time to enjoy books again. It is only now, as I type this, I remember how much I did enjoy reading. I have a huge stash of unread books, that I know I will love, and I will be getting stuck into one today– granted it won’t be for prolonged periods of time now I have a 19 month old running around, but it will be a start!

Here are some of the books I enjoyed pre-mummy…

Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben’s ‘The Woods’ was the first book I ever enjoyed reading, and I remember the story and my enjoyment for it like I read it yesterday. Since then I have read and own many, many Harlan Coben books, I really enjoy the way he writes and the feeling of needing to know how each story ends.

Angela Marsons

Angela Marsons is a brilliant Crime Novelest, similar to Harlan Coben’s novels, I am always wanting to know how the story will end- definitely not surprising that she is an ‘International million copy best seller’. The three books above have been my favourites so far.

Shari Lapena

I really enjoyed ‘The couple next door’, a tale that kept me guessing throughout, I have got ‘A stranger in the house’ in my unread stash, hopefully it is as good as her first!

Clare Mackintosh

I have only read this one book by Clare Mackintosh, but it’s one that has stuck in my mind! Basically, I girl sees her photo in the classifieds section of a London newspaper, and she is determined to find out why it’s there… a gripping tale from start to finish.

Rachel Abbott

I have read a couple of Rachel Abbott’s books but this one has been my favourite so far. A young girl called Tasha mysteriously vanishes at the age of six, the night her mother Caroline‘s car veers off the road into a ditch, killing her outright. Police attend the scene of the accident but can’t find any trace of the little girl who had been sitting quietly on the back seat, until six years later… Another great tale!

Paula Hawkins

A book many, many people will have read! A lady named Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. One day she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough… A story that is told from different characters viewpoints, so a little confusing at times, but a great novel!

Books I have enjoyed post-mummy

Giovanna Fletcher

Since having Harry I have really enjoyed reading Giovanna’s books as well as listening to her podcast- Happy mum happy baby. I really enjoy listening to the experiences of other parents, especially those who are well known, as it seems we all have the same struggles and frustrations. It’s also nice to pick up a tip or two along the way.

Mrs Hinch

I love a good clean! I thought I was one of a few people, but then Mrs Hinch appeared and so did her army of cleaning fanatics! I really like watching Sophie’s insta stories and using her journal to plan my weekly cleans- the doodle pages are very much up my street too.

Joe Wicks

This is my most recent purchase. Harry is an extremely fussy eater, he had awful reflux as a baby, and is allergic to egg- so weaning has been a tad tricky! I am hoping this book will help us on our way over the next few weeks.

POA

• Dust off the kindle and put it on charge
• Dig out my stash of unread books
• Go to bed earlier and enjoy a new book