Hello Readers, welcome back to my blog. I hope we are all doing great.

I really loved the last non-review post that I did so here is the second episode but with another twist, I will be including my book subscription unboxing here as well – this is not sponsored. First, let’s start with a look at how my reading went in April.

April Wrap-up

I was shielding the whole month of March so in April I went back to work. I thought this will affect my reading so I only set myself 4 books to read. Kiss of Snow and Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh, The summoning by Kelly Armstrong and Scoring the wrong twin by Naima Simone. My reviews of these books will be up sometime in June. I also read and reviewed a book for onlinebookclub which was published; it is called The Soulmate Prophecy – Book One – The Birth by Yasmina Haque. If you want to check out my review of this book, here is the link – https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.php?f=114&t=182018

So I read 5 books in total, which I was very surprised by considering the fact that I had resumed my 9-5. I was so excited when my review was posted by onlinebookclub, it felt so awesome to have my review published – I am doing a happy dance right now.

May TBR

I started my maternity leave this month, so although I will have some more time to read I am still keeping my TBR modest because I have a lot to do before my baby arrives and I want to get my toddler into nursery this month as well.

So this month, I plan to read another book for onlinebookclub as well as read 3 books from the photo above. One of the books I want to read which is not included in the photo because I only have the kindle version is Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh, I am looking for the physical copy to go with my collection of Nalini Singh books. It is looking like a very busy month for me.

Unboxing

I subscribe to fairyloot, which is a monthly book subscription box. It comes with an exclusive cover of a newly released YA book and 4-5 other useful items inspired by books. Each month usually has a theme and March’s theme was Frozen Fables.

The book of this month is The Bright and The Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski, it is a thrilling story inspired by Russian Folklore. Fairyloot hosted a readalong for this book from 3^rd May to 7^th May 2021 which I participated in; if you follow me on instagram you already know this. It was my first readalong and I actually enjoyed it. Other items in the March box are a ceramic mug inspired by Katherine Arden’s The Winternight Trilogy – artwork by @monolimeart, phone ring holder inspired by Shea Ernshaw’s Winterwood – design by @ironandinkdesigns, socks inspired by Heather Fawcett’s Even The Darkest Stars – design by @jezhawk, foiled notebook inspired by S. Jae-Jones’ Wintersong – design and illustration by @taratjah, headband inspired by Emily A. Duncan’s Something Dark and Holy series – design by @catarinabookdesigns, foiled art print inspired by Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver – artwork by @warickaart. There are usually 2 collectable tarot cards in each month’s box and this month has the Ace and Two of Wands which are inspired by Katherine Arden’s The Winternight Trilogy – designed by @arz28.

April’s theme was Hidden Identities. The book of the month is The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni – a dark fantasy filled with unforgettable characters, intrigue, magic and a dash of swoon-worthy romance (as described by fairyloot’s spoiler card). Other items in the April box are a metal bookends inspired by JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings – designed by @jezhawk, scented handmade soap inspired by Renee Ahdieh’s The Flame in the Mist – by Little Heart Gifts, tote bag inspired by Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Blood and Ash series – artwork by @arz28, enamel pin inspired by S.A Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy – designed by @_iceydesigns, foiled bookmarks inspired by R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War, Amelie When Zhao’s Blood Heir and Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes – artwork by @talia.nobel. This month’s collectable tarot cards are Seven and Eight of Wands which are inspired by Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove – designed by @morgana0anagrom.

Life update

Last month my mother had a hysterectomy surgery and it was a very trying time for my family, it still is as she is in recovery at the moment. My mother is one of the strongest people I know and she has taught me a lot about being a wife and a mother which contributes to the woman that I am today. My mother lost her mother when she had her second child (my junior sister) and I am currently pregnant with my second child – my due date is in June – my mother and I were very scared of history repeating itself. Thankfully God is merciful, she is recovery really well so far and we are hopeful for the future. For those who have family members that have to go to the hospital or are in hospital themselves, I will keep you in my prayers and feel free to follow me on my instagram to dm me privately if you want to have a chat. I am not the most empathetic person but I can always lend a listening ear.

Thank you for your time; if you enjoy my post and would like to buy me a cup of coffee, this is the link to my ko-fi account – https://ko-fi.com/book_latte_kech