With February being the shortest month of the year, sometimes I feel more pressured to read just one more book. However, when I look back, I find that I still end up reading some really impactful stories. Last month, I was able to read a few anticipated releases and some books by authors I’ve previously enjoyed. Did you encounter any new authors in February? Keep reading to see my top five favorite books of the month!
Bitter and Sweet – Rhonda McKnight
This is my second book by Rhonda McKnight, and I will 1000% recommend her books to anyone and everyone. She writes Christian Romance, but please don’t let that deter you. Between the two stories I’ve read, the female main character is prompted with a life-altering situation in which they decide to pack up and “go back home” to start over. The family dynamics and Gulla Geechee ties are rich in her stories, and how she writes the tension is top-tier! Here’s a link to my IG with more details!
Blood & Brujas – Mikayla D. Hornedo
Blood and Brujas was my first buddy read this year, and I was pleasantly surprised!!! This adult fantasy has an expansive world, vampires and witches, deception, and political intrigue. And we’ve got some fluid love interests.
This is one of those stories where you’re just thrown into the middle of battle (literally), and you just have to keep reading to put the pieces together, but it’s worth it. These are not my favorite setups, by the way. I loved the feisty, take no BS from the female MC; she’s the definition of f around and find out, and I’m here for it! The spice rating on this is explicit; she’s a woman who knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to make it known. I believe this will be a duology, and book two comes out in April this year, so to say I’m excited is an understatement!
Bemused – Farrah Rochon
I’m not typically a Greek mythology person, but I’m locked into anything involving the Muses from Hercules! This is a charming reimagining of the 5 daughters of Mnemosyne and how they came to be. Each sister had their voice and path in life, and I think Rochon did an excellent job distinguishing them.
In this story, you follow the girls on a journey to find and save their mother. Along the way, they continue to grow into the women we see in Hercules, the animated film. I enjoy these coming-of-age/character-growth stories. Seeing the characters’ quirks and the obstacles they overcome was fun and encouraging.
There are also more books within this “series.” If you’re interested in villains, twisted tales, or reimagining’s, I’d also recommend checking those out.
The Sea in Winter – Christine Day
Remember how I said if the story makes me emotional or teary, then I will recommend it? This story…I was not ready for it. As a dance mom, I was able to connect to this story on a whole different level. We follow this young girl who loves nothing more than to dance. She had high hopes of becoming a world-famous ballerina until one day, she got injured, and now those dreams are being questioned.
Poor Maisie has to deal with so much at only 12 years old. She’s unhappy with her physical therapy because the doctor has advised her to wait till next season to try out again. She’s dealing with a blended family dynamic and having difficulties processing those big emotions. On top of that, she’s at that tricky age where she feels her only friends are those at dance and she feels alienated and has nothing. I enjoyed this storytelling and the writing style, and I will .
Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me –
Whoopi Goldberg
I rarely read NonFiction, and if I’m going to, it will be a memoir. I love me some Whoopi; to say Sister Act is a staple in our house is an understatement.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and appreciate this glimpse into her life. This memoir is a love letter to her wonderful mother, who had a fantastic impact on her life. She has passed, but every memory shared and lesson learned from her mother is beautifully executed here. I loved the audio. Whoopi does narrate, and in proper Whoopi form, it is entertaining. Her quirks come through the narration, and you can hear her smile shine as she reads; a proud energy spews through her words. I have only ever felt this in another memoir – Viola Davis’. This is a book that I need on my shelf, where I will tab and annotate and constantly come back for those feel-good moments.
Additional Books I Read in February
February was a heavy fantasy month, which surprised me. I was finally able to read a few books that have been hanging out on my shelf, which is always good. And I finally read and completed a non-fiction book (my goal is to read one a month this year)! We celebrate small wins here!! Anywho, I genuinely hope you all had a fabulous February and got to pick up at least one book you’ve been staring at; if not, no worries, the year is still young. Happy Reading!
Book Reviews & ARC’s
Firstly, I want to say thank you for considering me for your book reviewers; I am super excited. I love to read and encourage adult readers to take the leap, pick up a book, slap on a pair of headphones, and listen to an audiobook. While I love reviewing ARCs and books from authors, I want to provide guidelines and answer frequently asked questions on our process.
See HERE for further ARC requests