Welcome friend! It is time for the second wrap up of 2025. How was your February? Read on for ours.
Buddy Read of the Month
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman | Goodreads
We have found ourselves often drawn to haunting yet quiet post-apocalyptic novels, and this was no exception. We look forward to discussing this further on the blog! – Ariel, Kriti.
Ariel’s Highlights for February
Favorite read
Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill | Goodreads
This book was a delight from start to finish. It has all my favorite things: witty dialogue, found family, fae folklore, and adventurous quests. I found it extremely difficult to put down, and upon finishing I knew it would be an easy favorite for the month.
Noteworthy
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn | Goodreads
This month I’ve read three vampire books plus played a vampire-centric video game. I guess it’s this month’s theme! Hungerstone was the most noteworthy of them all as a stellar retelling of the classic, Carmilla. I loved getting to know Lenore, and how Carmilla arrives on the scene and upends everything Lenore has carefully curated in her life, and Lenore is faced with asking herself what she truly wants. Overall a fast and enjoyable read with a superb gothic tone!
Game
Cabernet: This month, I was excited to dive into a story-based vampire role-playing-game called Cabernet. The player is Liza, who is a newly turned vampire. Through a series of choices and decisions and story development, the player can choose if Liza retains her humanity or succumbs under nihilism and fully accepts her inhuman ways.
Kriti’s Highlights for February
Favorite read
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp | Goodreads
As a new mom, a part of my monthly reading focuses on reading. Month 2 with the baby introduced more crying than the last month and I am so glad to have read Dr Harvey Karp’s book. His 5 S strategies to calm a fussy baby have been a game changer and have helped me be calmer and get her to calmness. Looking forward to writing about it!
Noteworthy
Proof by Beverley McLachlin | Goodreads
At its heart, Proof is a gripping legal thriller, but what stood out to me most was its powerful exploration of motherhood in all its complexities—its joys, sacrifices, and deep emotional bonds. On top of that, the author, Beverley McLachlin is the former Chief Justice of Canada, the first woman to hold that position. Her experience in the courtroom shines through. It was a fast read. Keep an eye out for the review.
Anticipated Reads
Kriti:
Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way into Our Hearts by Jeremy Egner | Goodreads
Other Updates from February
- Article from Editor’s Alchemy: The Difference Between Middle Grade, YA, and Adult Novels
Perhaps you aren’t sure what age you want to target with your writing, or you’ve already written a book and aren’t sure who it’s for. This month’s article clarifies the differences between writing for middle grade, young adult, or adult markets.
Allison Alexander is a freelance book editor, writer, and artist. Her monthly newsletter, Editor’s Alchemy, explores writing, querying, publishing, and how to mix a little magic into your story. She also shares book recommendations from Ariel and I there! Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.
- Upcoming Anthology from WriteHive: Rescuing Curiosity
In seeking hope, we rediscover forgotten loves.
Rescuing Curiosity is love rekindled, a vibrant resurgence of what makes us human. Curiosity drives change, a desire to know, learn, and discover. As life changes, we can become trapped by the mundane, being caught in the trap of things that are. Yet when we look beyond, we can discover the things that could be. Within that realm lies the magic of change and progress. We can delve into the things that were and bring forth the beauty of the past in a new, reimagined light.
Pick up this anthology releasing on March 4, 2025. Follow the links above to learn more.
- Revise & Resub (RevPit) is an annual contest where writers have a chance to win a free developmental edit from a professional editor.
Get more details here.
Thanks for joining up for this wrap up!
Tell us your favourite and noteworthy read from February in the comments. What are you excited to read in March? What are you currently reading?
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