‘Tis the Season (to read)

With the clocks changing last weekend and the days growing noticeably shorter, it’s always the perfect time of year to settle in and snuggle down. To relieve a little of the pressure we feel during summer. To always be out and about making the most of the sunshine, or cooking dinner alfresco or driving down to the beach at sunset – or sunrise. Sometimes though, it’s nice just to feel as though you don’t have to do anything. That you can just relax and take some time for yourself. I feel this more than ever as the seasons change and winter approaches. The limiting light almost feels like a beacon to stay in. To not push yourself to venture out into the cold if you can get away with staying in.

It’s the perfect time to start a new box set or read more of your book – or even begin a new one. I always hear people say – ‘Oh I wish I had more time to read’ and I get it. I wish I had too, but it’s all about making time. Taking an hour in the afternoon when you have no plans or going to bed that bit earlier so that you can read a chapter or two before you turn out the lights.

I find it so relaxing, so comforting to just curl up and read my book with a cup of a tea. As soon as I start reading, I always think – ‘Why don’t I do this more often?’

From cosy crime fiction like Agatha Christie (a long-time favourite of mine) or G.K. Chesterton (of Father Brown fame) to easy-read thriller novelists like Harlan Coben, Shari Lapena or Nora Roberts. Perhaps it is around this time of year that you like to reread old favourites by the Bronte sisters or even J.K. Rowling.

The truth is, it doesn’t really matter what you read – from comforting ‘chick lit’ to sagas or simply what’s in the Top Ten lists – as long as you enjoy reading it. Why not put some time aside and snuggle up with a new book this week – it’s one of my favourite things to do.