What Does The Future Hold?

Cup of Tea Substack #15

Apr 16, 2025

I’m back…

I meant to publish this newsletter before I went on vacation, but alas, that did not come to be. But after having a wonderful vacation, I’m back (or trying to be back) to regular schedule programming. I spent a glorious week in Scotland with my mom. It was the first time trip for my mom and second visit for me. It was so lovely to have the peace and relaxation that I needed.

But coming back from vacation to the US alone was an adjustment. It’s always when you return from a fabulous holiday, but I guess because the world seems chaotic, it was difficult to break away from the vacation bubble. It took a week for me to realize how desperately I needed a change of scenery, or I needed a change or a chance to try something different. I usually get philosophical after a vacation, but as I get older, I think about things more, particularly outside of work.

Who knows what the future holds? It’s hard not to be anxious and stressed about it. I guess that is the price of having an introspective vacation.

Now onto the books…

Featured Books of the Month

Huda F Wants To Know? by Huda Fahmy

In the hilarious and poignant graphic novel follow-up to National Book Award finalist Huda F Cares?, Huda's life and worldview is turned upside down when her parents announce they're divorcing.

Burn After Reading by Catherine Ryan Howard

A ghostwriter is locked in an interview room with a man who might be a murderer, in this gripping new mystery thriller from the #1 bestselling author of 56 Days and The Trap.

This Song Is About Us by Sara Barnard

Told over three summer festivals, this stunning novel from a bestselling author charts the emotional turmoil of young love and early fame.

Happy 10th Birthday!

Videos and Recordings

Celebrating 10 Years of Books and Tea

Cup of Tea With That Book

Mar 12

This month marks ten years since the creation of this blog, cup of tea with that book, please! And reaching this milestone, you can only celebrate in style! Unable to attend my live celebration this past week? No worries! The recording is now available to watch.

Read full story

Missed the event where I celebrated ten years of book blogging? Don’t worry! You can watch the full celebration on Substack, YouTube, and on my blog!

Listen on Spotify!

We also created a podcast recording of the celebration and made it a bonus episode of the

Fake Book Club

Podcast!

Listen on Spotify

Books To Read This Month: April Edition

Check out this list of new releases that should definitely be on your bookshelf and leave you entertained for the whole month!

Books To Get Out of the UK & Ireland: April Edition

Are you a fan of British and Irish books like I am? Here, I list exciting new releases that are coming across the pond that I definitely feel that should be on the top of your TBR pile!

Cup of Tea’s Best Books of 2024

I’m FINALLY starting to list what were my best book picks of 2024! I started with Fiction and Teen & Young Adult genre so you can view my what books made the top of my list! But keep on the lookout for more books I will be listing in various genres.

Upcoming 2025 Releases Perfect For Spring Reading

Looking for something to read for the spring season? Check out these fantastic and interesting book titles hitting bookshop and library shelves this Spring!

Books By Irish Authors To Look Out For In 2025

Enjoy celebrating Irish heritage and culture with these new and upcoming books! Take a trip through the Emerald Isle through these insightful and creative writing.

After reading Northanger Abbey, you are probably looking for something about the themes and ambience based on this underrated novel. Here are some readalikes that will hopefully mix into your reading year! In collaboration with

The Austen Connection

New Episode of the
Fake Book Club
Podcast!

The gang brings back talking about books we’re reading and shows we’re watching. We also touch on fandom culture and community. And Tessa talks about her trip abroad in Tokyo and Manilla.

Listen on Spotify

Book Reviews

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven - How do you fall in love with someone, knowing that you would have to kill each other? In this romantasy, Stevens takes on a new genre by writing a tale that is more than just an eternal love story that flows through many lifetimes but a deep and moving look into the power of this vital emotion.
Brielle and Bear: Volume 1 by Salomey Doku - A sweet retelling of a classic fairy tale will be enjoyed by comic book fans and romance readers alike. Such a great meet-cute story combined with beautiful illustrations will just warm your hear!
The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol. 1 by Sumiko Arai- If you are looking an uplifting LGBTQIA+ rom-com that is a mix of mistaken-identity and meet cute tropes, then this is a manga you will want to pick up! It gives Heartstopper vibes but also shows the appreciation that it is ok to be different and like a variety of things.
A Catalog of Burnt Objects by Shana Youngdahl - So much realism and engaging storytelling will essentially tug at your heartstrings right from the beginning. This was a love story of a small town where true and tragic events occurred. However, through tragedy, there is a sense of resilience and inspiration, and Youngdahl portrays that beautifully in this YA novel.