New Year, New Reading Goals: Personal Reflections
As the calendar turns, many readers find themselves setting intentions that not only reflect their passion for books but the aspirations woven through their lives. For those in the clean romance community, redefining reading goals can mean diving into narratives that uplift the spirit, emphasizing themes of resilience and emotional depth.
Reflecting on my past year, I remember how I committed to reading 104 books—a goal I joyfully surpassed by reading 171 titles. The unexpected extra time provided by my break from work proved a blessing, allowing me to connect with a vast array of books, particularly those that resonated with the complexities of human emotions.
Diving Deeper into Australian Literature
This year, I plan to enrich my reading list with more Australian authors—those voices that shed light on local lives while engaging the broader themes of resilience and community spirit. In 2025, I read 40 books by Australian authors. For 2026, my ambition is even greater. Not only do these authors deliver gripping stories, but they embody the strong female leads we adore in clean romance, navigating through plots filled with secrets and betrayals.
The significance of focusing on local authors this coming year is twofold: it supports our literary community and it provides a treasure trove of unique narratives for readers who appreciate rich, intimate storytelling, often found in the clean romance sphere.
Historical Fiction: A Revival of the Past
With the Historical Fiction Challenge under my belt, I find myself yearning to explore more narratives that transport readers across time. This genre, steeped in authenticity, often delves into love stories that mirror the struggles found in today's world, making them immensely relevant. The emotional landscapes navigated by these characters often resonate strongly with those who cherish clean romantic themes.
One of my key goals this year is to read even more historical fiction novels while also committing to reviewing them. There’s something nourishing about sharing these journeys with others, especially when featuring strong female characters who grapple with their own pasts while seeking love and healing.
Building Engagement in the Book Community
Though I have made strides in growing my Bookstagram presence, the digital age does not come without challenges. This past year, I aimed to engage more with fellow readers and authors, enhancing my platform to foster deeper connections. Despite slow growth, my persistence is rooted in the belief that every interaction counts, and building rapport is key to sustaining the bookish community, especially in the context of clean romance where connections foster understanding.
Therefore, my intention for this year remains steadfast—to use social media as a way to connect, to share and to engage, whilst celebrating the stories that resonate with our own lives.
Rediscovering Libraries: A Community Resource
I discovered the joy of utilizing my local library more effectively over the last year. The challenge comes when balancing due dates with review timelines, but the library truly offers a wealth of resources that continue to nurture my love for reading. It serves as a reminder of the importance of returning to the roots of community where stories are shared and books are celebrated.
This year, I will continue to remind readers that libraries are treasure chests of stories waiting to be uncovered—perfect for all fans of clean romance looking for that next engaging read.
Contribute Your Own Goals
As readers, we are all on this journey together, discovering love, heartbreak, resilience, and triumph in the stories we seek out. What are your reading goals for this year? How will you deepen your engagement with the literary community? Remember, our resolutions don’t need to be grand—every small step towards cultivating joy through reading counts.
As we step into this brand new year, why not also delve into a heartfelt clean romance with Call of the Blackbird by Nancy Polk Hall? It’s a profound exploration of love and healing that's sure to captivate thoughtful readers like you.
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