Think you don’t have the time to read? Spoiler: Neither did I. Until I did. This was me not too long ago.
I’m a mum of two primary school-aged kids. I juggle two part-time jobs, plus the laundry, the lunchboxes, the constant chorus of “Mum, where’s my…” You get the picture. I didn’t exactly have long lazy afternoons to stretch out with a novel and a pot of tea.
Or do I? Somehow, this year I’ve read 70 books.
SEVENTY.
That’s more than I read in the decade before this one. I surprised even myself. If you’re thinking, How?!… well, I promise I’m not staying up all night or abandoning my responsibilities. I’ve just made a few small changes that have turned reading into a habit again – not a luxury.
So if you’re keen to read more but feel like you don’t have the time, here’s how I made it happen:
1. Always have a book on the go
Don’t wait for “the right time” to start something new – just dive in. Even if you’re still mentally finishing the last one, crack open the next. The momentum helps.
2. Invest in a reading light
Game-changer. I’m in the “my kids won’t fall asleep without me” stage of life, and instead of scrolling or dozing off myself, I read in the dark with a little clip-on light. It’s guaranteed quiet time – and now I don’t dread bedtime quite as much as before.
3. Kindle and paperbacks
I go between my Kindle and physical books. While I only ever have one book on the go at a time, I find that alternating between the two mediums helps me to keep the momentum going. Paperbacks are passed around between friends, while I’ll grab newer reads on my Kindle.
4. Take a book everywhere
Waiting at school pick-up? Reading. At the park while they play? Reading. Sitting in a sterile waiting room? Reading. All those “dead” 10-minute moments really add up.
5. Mix up your genres
Sometimes you need a page-turner, other times you just want something easy and lovely. I switch between light romances and darker, twistier thrillers. It keeps me interested and helps avoid reading ruts.
Bonus tip: Don’t force yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying.
Life’s too short, your time is too precious, and there are too many good books out there.
So no, I don’t have hours of spare time. I just sneak reading into the cracks of my day – and those cracks are surprisingly roomy once you find them.
Looking for a place to start? Here’s my top 10 of the year so far.
Happy reading,
Hannah x
Hannah’s top 10 books of 2025 so far:
01.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Going into this I assumed it would be another cheesy rom com (no shade, I love those) but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters had so much depth and the story tugged at the heartstrings in unexpected ways.
02.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Not gonna lie, I think Carley Fortune could rival Emily Henry in terms of idyllic, swoon-worthy romance novels. If I was transported to the lake at Barry’s Bay right now I wouldn’t be mad. The first in a delightful Canadian lakeside series.
03.
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
I love a twisty British psychological thriller and this did not disappoint. Lisa is really skilled at crafting complicated female characters with super unique storylines.
04.
Green Dot by Madeleine Gray
This one had me laughing out loud with its relatability but by the end I also felt a little bit sad and empty (in a good way?) One I think most millennial women will relate to in a big way.
05.
Hide and Seek by Andrea Mara
Another twisty thriller, this time set in Ireland. A game of hide and seek gone wrong when a little girl completely disappears near her home. The twist was soooo good.
06.
The Everyday and Far Away by Jacqueline Jones
This is one of those novels that will stay with you for a while. The story follows Ernie, who is living with dementia, and his granddaughter Nina, who’s trying to find her way in life. The experience of dementia was written with such care and authenticity, and I just loved getting to know this family across the different generations.
07.
Big Feelings by Amy Lovat
Newcastle author Amy Lovat’s second novel Big Feelings is a heartfelt, sharp, and funny exploration of love, loss, and figuring yourself out - and I absolutely LOVED it! Described as an anti-romantic comedy, it’s for anyone who thinks ‘happily ever afters’ aren’t always what they seem. But don’t worry, the true romantics among us (i.e. me) will get just as much out of this delightful read.
08.
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
My first foray into the world of Karin Slaughter, and boy - it’s not for the faint of heart. But if you love a gripping crime story with a bit of gore, this is for you. I’ve now read three of her titles and am still yet to pick the ending!
09.
In Little Stars by Linda Green
A thought-provoking, heartwrenching story of two very different families living in London during the Brexit era, and how their lives end up entwined together, forever.
10.
The Wedding Forecast by Nina Kenwood
A big call, but quite possibly one of my favourite rom-coms I’ve ever read. I loved that it was Australian, the banter was spot on, the backdrop of the wedding was super entertaining and it was really beautiful and heartfelt at times too. I need more Nina Kenwood in my life!
Header image photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
