A Long Awaited Wrap-Up // February & March 2025
February seems so long ago now and it was such a good book month. But I’ve recently been unwell, so I’m really sorry I didn’t get to a wrap-up. I caught sickness bug after bug and I recently changed my website’s host as I was having a few issues. I decided to just add February and March together.
But, let’s get into it!
February Wrap-Up
My goal for February was to read more Fantasy and it was one of my favourite reading months in so long. I read…
The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst
Synopsis: “Every home needs a little magic…Kiela has spent over a decade as the librarian of the Great Library of Alyssium, safely tucked away with her sentient spider plant, Caz, guarding spell books for the empire’s elite. But when revolution sparks and the library burns, she escapes with what magic she can salvage, returning to the island of her childhood. There, she finds a struggling town, a frustratingly charming neighbour, and an empire quietly leeching its power. Determined to help, Kiela opens a spell shop—risking everything, as sharing magic with commoners is punishable by death. As she rebuilds the town’s magic, she must also open her heart.”
This is such a cosy world to read, despite the unrest. This was my first time reading a book by Sarah Beth Durst, and her writing style was really easy to follow. I found it so easy to picture the world she created without feeling overwhelmed by descriptions.
It was very much a character-driven plot, but you never lost track of where the character was in the story or the story itself. Definitely a mid-fantasy, low-stakes read. I will say the character development was slower-paced compared to other fantasy and romantasy novels I’ve read, but Durst always conveyed Kiela’s feelings at pivotal moments.
Since this book has a strong found family trope, it delivered a lot of emotional moments. I’m really excited to read The Enchanted Greenhouse when it’s released in July! 4 Stars.
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
Synopsis: “The only thing more dangerous than being a witch… is falling in love. Witches once ruled, but now they are hunted. Rune, a witch in hiding, lives a double life—an elegant socialite by day, the infamous Crimson Moth by night, risking everything to save her kind. Her next mission forces her into the path of Gideon Sharpe, a relentless witch hunter and revolutionary leader. Gideon is determined to track down the Crimson Moth, and his search leads him straight to Rune. But as their fates intertwine, secrets unravel, and he begins to wonder—what if the villain he has sworn to destroy is the woman he cannot resist?”
How did this sit on my TBR unread for so long?! I’d seen so many great reviews, and for ‘Fantasy February’, I finally dived in. Witches? Check. Unusual magic? Check. Hot, broody guy? Check, check check. This book ticked all the boxes!
I’d never read a witch-and-witch-hunter fantasy before, and I need more now. Thank gosh this has a sequel! Rune and Gideon’s chemistry was so well written. The tension, the drama… I ate it up. And the friendships? Just as good! I love when side characters feel just as fleshed out as the main ones. Add in some solid twists (I gasped out loud at least twice), and this was a book I could not put down.
The world-building was rich without being overwhelming, which I loved. Though it’s labelled YA, it definitely leans more New Adult with its themes and intensity. If you love a magic-filled, enemies-to-lovers, slightly angsty read—read this now. 5 Stars.
Aria of the Beech Forest by Yugiri Aik
Synopsis: “Aria is a gentle, shy witch with a knack for cooking, knitting, and growing herbs—but magic? That’s not her strong suit. Living a quiet life in the forests of Ireland, she’s never had a true friend—until the day she meets a talking wolf. Their unlikely bond blossoms into a heartwarming partnership as they navigate cozy days and mysterious happenings in the woods. With a touch of magic, plenty of comfort, and a sprinkle of intrigue, this enchanting tale will charm anyone looking for a story full of friendship and warmth.”
This was such a heartwarming sequel!
Aria is still figuring herself out, but we really see her come into her curiosity here. She’s stepping out of her comfort zone, forming deeper connections, and honestly? The found family vibes are so heartwarming. Her friendships feel more solid, and I loved seeing her grow in confidence.
And Gwyn? The sass levels are off the charts. Their dynamic is everything I want in a person / animal duo. Sharp, hilarious, but with so much unspoken care. Of course, not everything is sunshine and magic. Firstly, THAT TWIST at the end. And then there’s someone who claims they want to help Aria, but something about it feels… off.
Overall, this had all the heart, wit, and intrigue I hoped for. Already excited for the next volume! 4 Stars.
A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch Volume 3 and Volume 4 by Hiro Kashiwaba
Synopsis: “Long ago, Jeanne was a legendary witch who defeated the Demon King and saved the world. But now, her heroics are forgotten, and she lives alone in a quiet forest, her powerful magic a distant memory. Seeking companionship, Jeanne summons a cat from Earth—only for the once-ordinary feline to arrive as a towering giant! As the oversized kitty adjusts to its strange new world, it bonds with Jeanne through shared meals, cosy moments, and a steady supply of head pats. Together, they begin to heal the solitude of a forgotten hero and rediscover the magic of companionship.”
Trying not to give away anything, this series has continued to keep me hooked. In Volume 3 we have new faces, new revelations, and an effortless way of introducing them all without it feeling overwhelming.
One thing I love about manga is how world-building can be woven into the visuals, allowing things to hide in plain sight. But this series continues setting up key story elements in the writing too. The pacing is just right—never too slow, never too rushed.
Then we have Volume 4 and Oh my gosh! This volume changed everything.
The series has always used flashback chapters well, but here? They answered so much and completely shifted my expectations for where the story was headed. I like that the series never reserved the flashback scenes to just one character. And we learn more about the whole ‘gang’ as the series develops.
The reveals were unexpected yet completely fitting. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you want to go back and reread everything with fresh eyes. This series keeps delivering, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next! Volume 3 I would rate 4.5 Stars and Volume 4 is 5 Stars.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
Synopsis: “Fleeing a troubled past, fortune teller Tao wanders the countryside with only her mule for company, offering small fortunes for small prices—never big ones, as she knows all too well the cost of fate. It’s a solitary existence until she crosses paths with an ex-mercenary and a (mostly) reformed thief, who enlist her help in their search for a missing child. Along the way, a daring baker and a slightly magical cat join their quest, and Tao finds herself part of an unlikely family. But as her past catches up, she must decide—will she risk everything to protect the home she never thought she’d have?”
Shout out to Proud Geek. I picked this up at Coventry’s Book Bonanza last November. It had been sitting on my maybe list for a while, but when I saw it on display, it just called to me. Tom was so lovely to meet and chat with too—and I love supporting smaller bookshops, especially ones like this!
Now onto the review… I really enjoyed this—but it wasn’t the pace I was expecting. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. From the blurb, you’re led to expect a missing child and a magical quest, so I thought it would be one of those books I’d tear through in a weekend. Instead… I put it down, read something else, came back to it. And repeat.
This is what I’d call a cosy situational book. I was unwell over February and also busy, so I wasn’t in the right mindset to fully relax into it. But once I did? It gripped me. I was mad at myself for not being able to give it my full attention sooner.
A mid-stakes, low-to-mid fantasy with a whole lot of heart. The characters really are the highlight. Funny, sarcastic, and loveably chaotic. This little band of misfits had me giggling and crying.
Someone reviewed this as “the type of book you want Studio Ghibli to adapt” and that’s exactly it. 4.5 stars.
February’s Reading Stats
After January’s reviews, I found that I could give you a massive overview of my stats after putting my reviews into TheStoryGraph. And so…
…I read 6 books! And altogether, totaled 1,648 pages!
All books I read were fiction.
Genre-wise, it is not surprise all 6 books are fantasy. But 3 were manga, 2 were romantic fantasy and one was young adult fantasy.
I had a great average rating of 4.5 stars for February! That is higher than last month.
I really came to enjoy my Fantasy reading month and I made a tiny bit of progress on my 25 for 2025 list, adding another £10.00 to the savings pot.
February’s Book Haul
I thought I hauled quite the number if books in January… in February;
I went overboard… and broke my budget rule with The Works. To be fair, they stocked a lot of Sarah Morgan’s books with the newer covers and there was the rumour the store’s 3 for £6.00 offer will change to 3 for £7.50. So I got a few off my backlist whilst I could.
- First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
- Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry
- Can’t Judge a Book by Its Murder by Amy Lillard
- The Night of the Crash by Jessica Irena Smith
- The Corpse in the Closet by Lucy Score
- The Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score
- No More Secrets by Lucy Score
- Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
- The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross
- The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross
- Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross
- The Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
- A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan
- A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
- A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay
- The Will of the Many by James Islington
- Wild Side by Elsie Silver
- Bookishly Ever After by Maya Prasad
- The Temporary Roomie by Sarah Adams
- The Off-Limits Rule by Sarah Adams
- Meet Me in Ivy Falls by Amy True
- The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain
- The Love Interest by Victoria Walters
- Finding Love in Ivy Falls by Amy True
- Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
- Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
- The Little Board Game Café by Jennifer Page
- Love Letters on Hazel Lane by Jennifer Page
- Second Chances at the Board Game Café by Jennifer Page
- Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan
- The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan
- Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan
- New York, Actually by Sarah Morgan
- Holiday in the Hamptons by Sarah Morgan
- Beach House Summer by Sarah Morgan
- Summer Wedding by Sarah Morgan
And that’s my February reading wrap-up. I went overboard, I know… but let’s take a look at March’s stats…
March Wrap-Up
I only read one book in March… I know! It is so unlike me, but after being unwell and continuing to be busy… but at least it was a 5 star read!
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Synopsis: “Aiden Valentine is the voice behind Baltimore’s beloved romance hotline—but there’s one problem: he no longer believes in love. When a precocious young caller asks for dating advice for her mum, Lucie, the heartfelt moment unexpectedly goes viral, catapulting Aiden and the show into the spotlight. Lucie Stone wasn’t looking for romance—between her job, her daughter, and her tight-knit community, life felt full enough. But suddenly, the whole city seems invested in her love life. As on-air sparks turn into something more behind the scenes, Lucie faces a choice: follow the perfectly scripted fairytale or take a risk on something real. Charming, heartfelt, and a little bit mischievous, First-Time Caller is a romcom full of heart, humour, and second chances.”
The first book in B.K. Borison’s Heartstrings series, First-Time Caller had me excited to dive back into her warm and witty writing after loving the Lovelight Farm series.
Inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, Aiden and Lucie’s relationship feels like a realistic fairytale—where love isn’t about grand gestures, but honest, open communication. The radio station setting was such a refreshing backdrop for a romance, and the contrast between Aiden and Lucie’s family lives gave the story unexpected depth and reflection.
While the book touches on some more emotional and potentially triggering themes, they’re handled with care. A heartfelt, thoughtful romcom that balances charm with sincerity—I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series. 5 Stars.
March’s Reading Stats
Putting just one book into TheStoryGraph app, I found…
I read a total of 437 pages!
It was a fiction book, and genre-wise, it falls under contemporary romance.
My average rating for the month was 5 stars. Don’t know if I’ll see that again!
Although I only read one book this month, it’s been one of my favourites of the year so far.
There’s just something about B.K. Borison’s writing that I can’t get enough of.
Also, that’s another £5.00 in the savings pot…bonus!
March’s Book Haul
March wasn’t an as heavy book haul month as February. However, I managed to pick up;
- The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore
- Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner
- The New Neighbours by Claire Douglas
- How To Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin
- The Vipers by Katy Hays
- Tea You At The Altar by Rebecca Thorne
And I didn’t spend anything at The Works this month, after last months slight overspend.
And that’s my one book March reading wrap-up. My original goal was to read more translated fiction. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but maybe in April?
What have you read over the last 2 months? Is there anything you’d recommend?
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As always, thanks for reading…
