Hello, readers… and happy March! I’m going to try something new, and start doing a monthly wrap-up post of everything I’ve read. Here are the books I read this February!
Murder & Metaphors by Amanda Flower (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
This is the third installment of the delightful Magical Bookshop series from Amanda Flower. Violet and her grandmother get more than they bargained for when an event at the Morton winery & vineyard results in the death of the honored guest, a renowned wine expert and author.
I did a full review for this title and a Q&A with the author… check it out!!
Hashtag Authentic: Finding creativity and building a community on Instagram and beyond by Sara Tasker (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Hashtag Authentic is a book all about Instagram. Sounds simple, right? But it’s really more than that.
Sara Tasker is an Instagram coach and influencer, and this book draws on some of the lessons she’s learned, and provides tips and strategies to authentically engage and grow your own following.
Social media is a huge part of our modern lives. And striking a balance of beauty, creativity, and authenticity on an account can be difficult. I wasn’t sure what to expect on this title, but the book was charming and practical. It covers topics such as photography tips, how much/little to share, finding your online tone and voice, and much more.
The digital ARC was difficult to read because of the formatting…not sure whether that’s been corrected in the final version. Personally, I’m considering buying a physical copy of the book for the beautiful photos, and to slowly savor the advice offered.
The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
If you haven’t been hearing about this book, have you even used the internet in the past month or two?!? This has gotten tons of hype and it’s well deserved… a great debut novel that earned 4 1/2 stars from me. Read my full review here!
Academic Curveball (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and Broken Heart Attack (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by James J. Cudney
These are the first two titles in the Braxton Campus Mysteries. A few weeks ago, I revealed the cover for the third title coming out in late March. See the preview and find out more about this series here!
Animal Farm by George Orwell (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
“All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.”
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book. I’m a big fan of Orwell and liked 1984, but this one was an incredibly short and fast read, and somehow more accessible. A timeless allegorical classic. While this is a commentary on Stalinist Russia and a cautionary tale about power, propaganda, and freedom…. its nearly chilling how one can still see these themes mirrored in modern times. If you haven’t read this, add it to your list.
Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Criminally Cocoa is a short novella in the Amish Candy Shop series. Bailey and Charlotte hit NYC for filming of Bailey’s new show, but when things start going wrong on set, Charlotte sets out to investigate.
This is an extremely quick read and has a bit of an Easter theme. It’s told from Charlotte’s point of view, which adds a new perspective. Fun story that makes a nice addition to the series.
(I previously reviewed another book in this series… find it here!)
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
This was a light read about creativity and its role in everyone’s life. There wasn’t anything earth shattering, more of a pep talk and inspiration. Fun, somewhat irreverent book that reminds us to embrace the artist in each of us.
And there we have it… my list of reads from February! I did manage to get in a classic this month, as well as not just one but TWO non-fiction reads! The month was still half cozy mysteries… I doubt I’ll cut too far back on those. But I have been enjoying branching out a bit in my reading, and March will continue and expand that trend.
Let me know what great books have caught your attention lately… happy reading!
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My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for a complimentary digital review copy of some of the books mentioned here. All opinions are my own.
The Biblio Blonde 