2025 #ReadingWithMuffy May Check-In

We’re nearing the end of May, and what a month it has been! We’re still settling into our new home in Delhi, and while the summer heat has been unrelenting, it has also given me the perfect excuse to stay indoors, unwind with a good book (or three), and sneak in some reading time between baby snuggles and Muffy cuddles.

My little one is getting used to her new surroundings, slowly but surely, and Muffy’s already staked claim to his favorite corners- i.e. right next to the air conditioner. As for me? I found solace in thrilling reads and an out-of-season Christmas romance.

What I Read in May

The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
This one had me hooked! A much better read compared to my last Frieda read- Never Lie, in my opinion. It’s dark, suspenseful, and kept me turning pages late into the night. If domestic thrillers are your jam, don’t miss it!

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore (Dream Harbor series)
Yes, I read a Christmas book in May and loved it! With all the heat around, this snowy, festive read gave me that wintery escape I didn’t know I needed. It’s sweet, heartwarming, and has small-town vibes galore.

My Current Reads

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
While not set in Japan, this one’s been such a delightful ride so far. Vera is such a lovable, meddling character- equal parts funny and wise. I’m loving the cozy mystery vibe.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Still in the early chapters, but it’s intriguing and full of emotion. I’m curious to see how this unfolds.

Books Set in Japan

If you’re still looking for a book to read that fits this prompt, here are some fantastic books set in Japan:

• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
  A gentle, heart-tugging novel about time travel and second chances set in a quiet Tokyo café.
• The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa
  A magical, whimsical story about books, loss, and a talking cat. What’s not to love?
• Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
  A sharp, witty novel that examines societal norms through the life of a quirky convenience store employee.
• The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
  If you’re an animal lover (like Muffy!), this heartwarming story of a cat and his human will touch your soul.
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
  Though it spans across Korea and Japan, this sweeping generational saga beautifully captures the Japanese setting and culture.
• The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa
  A touching, mathematical, and subtly moving story about connection and memory.

Check-In Time!

What did you read this May? I’m hoping to pick up Convenience Store Woman before the month ends. Did you travel to Japan through a book? Whether you stuck to the prompt or followed your own reading whim, I’d love to hear all about it! Drop your reviews and thoughts in the linky below💛

Here’s How the Check-In Post Works

The linky will close on 10th June.

Tag your reads with #ReadingWithMuffy tag me @kohleyedreads so we can all share recommendations and reading joy. Thank you for being part of this cozy little book-loving corner—even when I’m running a bit behind, your support keeps this going!

Warm hugs from Delhi,