What I Read in February + What I’m Reading Next
I know we’re already a week into March, but I wanted to pop on here and share what I read in February. I always love seeing what other people are reading. It’s one of my favorite ways to find new books, so I hope you enjoy this little recap too.
Overall, I feel like I had a really nice mix this month. I read a couple of Nancy Drew books that felt super nostalgic, a heavier nonfiction audiobook, a romance, and a historical fiction read on my Kindle that was based on real research.
What I Read in February
Nancy Drew: The Scarlet Macaw Scandal
I picked this one up at a used bookstore I popped into back in January. I’ve decided I want to start collecting the Nancy Drew books. I loved them as a kid, and I might have even wanted to be Nancy at one point. I mean, she’s smart, solves real mysteries, and has a boyfriend. . . . what’s not to like?
Just as expected, this was a quick, easy read. Nancy Drew books tend to move pretty fast, so it kept my attention the whole time. It was perfect for those low energy days when I wanted to read something that didn’t take too much thought.
Nancy Drew: Riverboat Ruse
This is another one I picked up the same day at the used bookstore, and I think I might have liked this one even more than The Scarlet Macaw Scandal.
It featured more of the familiar characters from River Heights (Nancy’s fictional town), and it had such a cozy feel to it. It honestly gave me Stars Hollow or Virgin River vibes, which I loved.
Reading two Nancy Drew books in the same month reminded me how comforting and simple they are in the best way. They’re easy to pick up, easy to get into, and just really enjoyable when you want something light and familiar.
Something Borrowed
I found this one at a book sale supporting my local humane society. They host sales twice a year, and I always try to go when I can. Their adult books are only $2, so it’s honestly the best place to stock up.
About 50 pages in, I didn’t think I was going to like this one at all. I won’t give anything away, but I really didn’t like the female main character, and I thought the male main character was making terrible decisions. I genuinely didn’t see how the story could turn around in a way I’d be satisfied with.
But wow. . . . I was so wrong.
I absolutely loved how this Something Borrowed ended. It completely surprised me, and it ended up feeling so satisfying. I’m really glad I stuck with it because I would have missed out on such a great read otherwise. I’ll definitely be picking up more by Emily Giffin in the future.
End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America
The one and only audiobook I listened to this month was End of Days. I went into it thinking it would focus more on how the extreme right has influenced (and continues to influence) American politics, but it was actually much more centered on the events at Ruby Ridge, with some discussion of its long term impact.
Honestly, I wasn’t disappointed. It went into a lot of detail about what happened, and there was so much I didn’t know before listening.
This was definitely heavier than what I usually gravitate toward. With everything going on in the world, I tend to avoid heavier topics in my reading, but I’m glad I made an exception here. It gave me a lot of helpful context and a deeper understanding of the subject.
The First Witch of Boston
I’ll be honest, it took me a while to get into this one. I actually started it back in January, and the first third of the book just didn’t fully hold my attention.
But I’m so glad I stuck with it, because once the story picked up, I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down.
The First Witch of Boston starts from the male main character’s point of view before switching to the female main character, which felt a bit jarring at first. But by the end, I completely understood why the author chose that structure – and I actually think it made the story stronger.
At the end of the book, the author shares that she researched the real woman the story is based on during grad school. Even though there isn’t much known about her historically, the author wanted to bring her story to life. I love when historical fiction authors include those notes at the end explaining what’s real and what’s been fictionalized. It makes everything feel so much more meaningful and interesting.
What I’m Currently Reading
My Darling Girl
I’ve been a huge fan of Jennifer McMahon for years. I think the first book I read by her was The Winter People, and I’ve read almost everything she’s published since.
My Darling Girl has been no exception so far. If you’re into paranormal, horror, or gothic stories, I can’t recommend her books enough. I’m not quite finished yet, but I’m really enjoying it. I’ve definitely had a few “just one more chapter” nights that turned into three.
Mate
I picked this one up from the library on a bit of a whim. Romantasy is definitely outside my usual comfort zone, but I’ve been seeing it everywhere lately, and I wanted to give it a try.
This is the second book set in the same world (after Bride), and even though you don’t have to read the first one, I did feel a little disoriented at the beginning trying to understand the dynamics between the werewolves, vampires, and humans.
Now that I’m about two thirds of the way through Mate, I’m enjoying it a lot more. It’s definitely different from what I usually read, but I’m glad I stepped outside my usual genres for this one.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, February felt like a really well rounded reading month for me. I had a mix of comfort reads, something a little heavier and more thought provoking, and a couple of books that pushed me slightly outside my usual preferences.
If anything, this month reminded me how much I enjoy mixing familiar, cozy reads with the occasional “try something new” pick. It keeps reading feeling fun and fresh, without ever feeling like a chore.
What was your favorite book that you read in February? I’m always looking for good recommendations! And do you tend to stick to your usual genres, or do you branch out every once in a while?
