Read. Escape. Recharge.
Find time for you in 2025.
Welcome to WellyBooks!
WellyBooks is dedicated to rediscovering the joy of reading and escaping into the world of fiction.
After a life-changing plot twist — a cancer diagnosis — I realised I had long neglected time for myself. As a busy mum and life-long workaholic, I needed a wake-up call to slow down and prioritise self-care. Through fiction, I found the escape I desperately needed, and now, I want to share that journey with you.
If you’re looking for time to unwind or need a break from life’s demands, you’ve come to the right place. Browse the reviews, explore new genres, and discover your next great escape with my unique Escape Index — or try the Reading Escape Quiz to find a story that meets you where you are.
The best part? All the books I share are available at Wellington City Libraries, so you can easily grab a copy and take a moment to unwind. If you're not based in Wellington, check out your local library for similar titles and dive into the escape that reading can provide.
I’d love to hear what you think! Head over to the individual book reviews and leave a comment — whether you loved a book, have a different perspective, or want to recommend something. Let’s escape through fiction together!
Latest Escapes
Opal was exactly what I needed to break up my reading list—a fast-paced mystery with just the right amount of grit. Atmospheric, suspenseful, and easy to devour in a few sittings, it delivered a classic whodunit with an Aussie twist. I picked it up for a long weekend and flew through it.
A gripping, high-stakes thriller that dives deep into the world of espionage and global tension. CIA operative Kane is on a mission that quickly spirals into something far more dangerous than expected. Fast-paced, cinematic, and packed with twists, this is a bold, addictive read for anyone craving a smart, action-driven escape.
A quiet, beautifully written novel that follows two brothers grappling with love, loss, and identity in Dublin. Intermezzo is introspective, tender, and surprisingly funny in moments. With its layered characters and emotionally rich storytelling, it’s a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys smart, character-driven fiction with a unique voice.
2025 Reads: Finding time for fiction
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![Book cover for 'The Flatshare' by Beth O'Leary featuring an illustration of a bed with pillows and a lamp, and quotes from Cosmopolitan and Marian Keyes praising the book.]()
The Flatshare, Beth O'Leary
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![Book cover of 'The Other Side of Beautiful' by Kim Lock, featuring a woman in a swimsuit facing away, surrounded by colorful radiating lines and positive reviews.]()
The Other Side of Beautiful, Kim Lock
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![Book cover of 'Oracle' by Thomas Olde Heuvelt featuring a hooded figure standing near turbulent water, with endorsements from Stephen King and George R.R. Martin.]()
Oracle, Thomas Olde Heuvelt
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![Book cover of 'Three Hours in Paris' by Cara Black featuring a woman in a floral dress walking down a street with arches, an airplane overhead, and bold text titles.]()
Three Hours in Paris, Cara Black
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![Book cover of "The Darkest Sin" by D.V. Bishop, featuring Cesare Aldo, set in Florence, 1537. Background includes a cityscape and birds in a turquoise hue.]()
The Darkest Sin, D.V. Bishop
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![Book cover of 'The Beach Party' by Nikki Smith featuring silhouettes of people around a bonfire on a beach, with a vibrant sunset and palm trees in the background.]()
The Beach Party, Nikki Smith
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![Book cover for '12 Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death' by Sarah Smith. It features a man in a blue suit standing next to three people sitting on a bench. The background includes palm trees and a stylized cityscape. A blue fountain or statue is in the foreground.]()
12 Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death, Sarah Smith
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![Book cover titled "A Man of Honour" by Simon Smith, featuring a silhouetted man in a top hat and tails, holding a revolver with a red circle background on his chest. The subtitle reads "The target is a man. I am the bullet." The image has green and red color tones.]()
A Man of Honour, Sam Smith
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![Book cover for "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney, featuring a chess piece on the ground and a silhouette of a person standing between two large black shoes. The background is blue with the author's name in large bold letters.]()
Intermezzo, Sally Rooney
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![Book titled 'The Year of the Locust' by Terry Hayes on a bed beside a WellyBooks bookmark with a blue tassel and the phrase 'escape awaits.']()
The Year of the Locust, Terry Hayes
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Opal, Patricia Wolf
Upcoming Book Fairs & Events in Wellington
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Giant Charity BookFest
3-4 May 2025
Upper Hutt
This annual event features over 100,000 books, magazines, games, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records. Proceeds support various community projects
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Karukatea Festival
9-11 May 2025
Featherston
A celebration of books, storytelling, and ideas, featuring readings, discussions, workshops, and more.
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Blue Dragon Book Fair
17-18 May 2025
Ngaio
This event offers a treasure trove for book lovers with a wide selection of secondhand books. As always, all proceeds will go to the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation in Hanoi, supporting its work to improve the lives of Vietnamese children through education and training.