Hello readers!
Over the past few months I’ve been thinking about the blog a lot, ideas of posts kept on popping in my mind – so here I am!
Life has been great. I’m just coming back from Bangladesh, where I celebrated my wedding (again!). It was an incredible feeling to finally see where my husband grew up and to spend some quality time with my (amazing) in-laws. After the celebrations, we traveled around the country and I must say that my favorite destination was without a doubt the region of Shylhet সিলেট.
Oh, the green…everywhere. Bangladesh has the most beautiful greenery I’ve ever seen.
We spent our first night in an eco resort in the middle of the forest.
সবুজ
I even made a friend…
After a dreamy night listening to the nature all around us (and the long minutes staring at lizards on the ceiling that, I must admit, am ashamed to be afraid of), we went to the tea capital of Bangladesh: Sreemangal শ্রীমঙ্গল ! We drove and walked around the gigantic tea state – absorbed by the beautiful landscapes.
Of course, we couldn’t come all the way to Sreemangal and not buy the local black tea that is so popular in Bangladesh – and for a good reason, it’s de-li-cious. If you ever find yourself in the region, don’t forget to pass by this shop, they also sell beautiful handmade showpieces and all kinds of wooden objects.
And if you’ve never tried this wonderful beverage, do not fear – I have shared my husband’s recipe on the blog.
I cannot get tired of chai. Today, I enjoyed it with my homemade plum clafoutis: the best way to use your about-to-get-moldy red plums and a lovely childhood memory – the ultimate madeleine de Proust!
Anyways, as much as I would love to tell you everything about this unforgettable trip – I believe it is time to talk about what has been keeping me away from the blog: BOOKS! (among other things)
I read 27 books so far this year! Yay! But today I’d like to focus on my favorite ones, my 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reads!
Disclaimer: If you don’t like the book, well, I’m sorry you didn’t.
1) The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine
This is the story of an older woman who gave up on life. But life decided otherwise. It’s a sweet, comforting and hopeful story about second chances and love. This book made me happy, and sad, and happy again.
2) One day by David Nicholls
Where should I start??? My favorite ”’romance”’ book! Flawed characters fighting their demons and circumstances. You will cry, cry and cry some more.
3) Les Esprits Rebelles by Khalil Gibran
A masterpiece. If you’re interested in religion(s) and/ or anything vaguely related to the human condition but also appreciate a well-written and poetic fictional story, give it a try!
Translated title in English: “Spiritious Rebellious”.
4) Juste Avant Le Bonheur by Agnès Ledig
I had almost no idea what this book was about when I first started reading it, and I’m glad I didn’t. Objectively, it’s not perfect, and some of the author’s choices could be discussed but that’s what I love about art: it’s subjective. I loved every second of it, it just spoke to me.
This story is about a young single mother who made a new friend – the beginning of a friendship that will change her life for the better but also for the worst.
I couldn’t find an English translation…This could be your sign to start learning French! :)
5) Boys Don’t Cry by Fiona Scarlett
If the title of this book sounds interesting enough to you, give it a try and you won’t regret it! Two brothers are learning how to navigate life as best as they can: one is trying to survive while the other one is trying not to turn into his unreliable and violent father.
6) Reste Avec Moi by Ayòbámi Adébáyò
NOW, this was my favorite read of 2025 so far. This story takes place in Nigeria, where we follow a couple throughout their marriage.
There is a list of topics I tend to love in books. The list includes: -complicated or impossible relationships, -womanhood, -religion(s), -parenthood et cetera et cetera. And this book has it all!
Title in English: ‘Stay with me’.
7) Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
If I could only use keywords to describe this masterpiece, I would choose the following: motherhood, loneliness, love, pain and sacrifice.
8) Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
Although this one is a 5 stars in my eyes, I just don’t think it’s for everyone. The storytelling is incredible, but this book requires a lot of trigger warnings 🌶️🩸🔪💉💊. That being said, what a great read! Keywords? Addiction, love, pain, complicated relationships, trauma(s) and New York.
New York, a city I would love to visit! But in the meantime, I will travel through my books – and keep you updated, of course!
And you, what have you read this year? What are your 5 stars books?
I’d love to know!
♡Garance♡
Garance Galore 
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