What I Read in February 📖

Books that felt like a warm hug for the soul and glimpses inside a charming Boston bookstore.

February in books—apparently, it was the month of hands on covers!

February was full and busy—hard to believe it was only 28 days long. This month, I found myself drawn to books that felt like a warm hug for the soul. I also had the joy of visiting one of the most beautiful bookstores and savoring the process of selecting a few new-to-me books. Let’s dive into all the bookish goodness.

I followed this charming bookshop through its early stages of development a few years ago, so finally stepping inside felt like such a treat!

For Christmas, my husband’s parents gifted our family a weekend trip to Boston. We attended a Boston Bruins hockey game, explored the Boston Children’s Museum and New England Aquarium, indulged in delicious pizza and croissants, and wandered through two bookstores, including one I had been coveting on social media since before its doors even opened: Beacon Hill Books.

can you imagine having lived in here once upon a time?!

If you ever find yourself in Boston, add a visit to Beacon Hill Books to your list . It’s one of the most beautiful bookstores I have ever been to. I loved imagining the building’s past lives (including the fantasy of living in it once upon a time), admiring the charming wallpaper and thoughtful touches, browsing the beautifully curated book displays, reading the staff recommendations, and soaking in the details that make this bookstore truly one of a kind.

We also stayed within walking distance of I AM Books in the North End, which my mother-in-law and I visited during one of my daughter’s naps. It was another lovely little stop—inviting, and filled with a curated selection of interesting books.

moving right in!

As part of my gift, my in-laws treated me to a few new books, so I set out on a mission: I wanted to find books that weren’t already on my radar. Instead of gravitating toward the enticing new-release tables, I let myself roam, scanning spines in search of titles I had never heard of. I resisted the urge to look up reviews, choosing instead to select a book purely based on its synopsis and nothing else.

In the end, I found three new-to-me books (pictured below), plus two from my ongoing “to be read” list. The thrill of discovering something new and feeling that immediate spark of excitement—the kind that makes you want to dive in the moment you leave the store—was something I hadn’t experienced in a long while. And it felt delicious. In fact, I started reading and finishing one of my picks that very weekend, so satisfying.

This is a feeling I want to cultivate more, which is part of why I’m scaling back on new book purchases this year—so I can work through the books already on my shelves. I want to rekindle that joy of stumbling upon a book, letting curiosity lead the way, and forming my own impressions before ever hearing what anyone else thinks.

Don’t get me wrong, I love—looooove—reading reviews and seeking out books I feel confident I’ll enjoy. But there’s a certain magic in unexpected discoveries, and I’ve realized I haven’t nurtured that part of my reading life enough. It’s something I’m eager to embrace again.

the “food for thought” cookbook section 😍

Using my shelf placement rating scale to share the impact each book had on me.

Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith | lend out immediately

Set over the course of a single day, this quiet and contemplative novel may be thin, but it packs a punch. This was one of my bookstore discoveries in Boston, and I’m so glad I picked it up! It explores themes I value in my reading, and I found myself reaching for it at every spare moment. A beautifully crafted, thoughtful book that lingers long after the last page.

Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King | lend out immediately

This was my first introduction to Lily King’s writing, and I was as impressed as I anticipated. Each story in this collection is distinct, layered, and left a lingering taste of contemplation. Despite the title, this is a book that can be enjoyed in any season. If you love literary fiction, you’ll appreciate these glimpses into lives—many set in New England—that feel both intimate and expansive.

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen | tucked back in

A rom-com centered around matchmaking, dating apps, and the Chinese zodiac, this book gave me serious How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes with its competitive romance plotline. I loved learning more about Chinese horoscopes and appreciated the themes of family and personal history.

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest | displayed front & center

I loved this charming rom-com set in NYC featuring two characters working in the book world. I was hooked on uncovering how their history would resolve and enjoyed Lily’s character growth. I also just discovered this is the first in a series (each following one of three sisters), and now I must read them all.

The Art of Frugal Hedonism by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb | displayed front & center

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to curb consumption or save money in 2025. Packed with 51 practical, thought-provoking, and often hilarious insights into embracing a joyfully frugal life, it completely shifted my perspective on consumerism. I dog-eared and highlighted so many pages. I will never look at an of-the-moment outfit the same way again.

You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh | displayed front & center

After some emotionally draining weeks, I felt the need to recalibrate and turn inward. I stumbled upon this book on my own shelf—one I didn’t even remember owning—and it found me at just the right time. I savored it slowly over several weeks, and it helped deepen my mindfulness practice, both in meditation and daily life. Thich Nhat Hanh beautifully illustrates how mindfulness exists in every moment. I plan to explore more books in this realm ongoing.

audio: On Freedom (still in progress) & Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson—I loved Black Cake, so I had high hopes for Wilkerson’s sophomore novel, and so far, it’s delivering. (Here is how I listen to audiobooks.)

physical book: The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams—switching between the audiobook and physical copy, highlighting and rereading passages. This book is brimming with wisdom and has become a lifeline for me, offering powerful insights on cultivating joy, especially in challenging times.

e-book: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler—definitely outside my usual genre, but I’m intrigued and committed to seeing where it takes me.

Whats the best book you’ve read lately?