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January & February Reading Log

January & February Reading Log

I had a slow start this year when it came to reading. I read three books in January—two of which I did not finish (DNF)—though I did read the majority of both. In February, I started picking up the pace again and powered through the Empyrean series (better known as the Fourth Wing series). I also finished two books I had started in late 2024.

So, let's do a recap:

My favorite book I read during this time period was definitely The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. It's a historical fiction novel that follows the lives of two different women from two different time periods. Opaline's story is set in the 1920s, when expectations for women were different and war was raging in Europe. Her character is determined, considered “rebellious” for her time, and shows tremendous strength in the face of adversity. Martha, the other main character, lives in modern times and faces a very different set of challenges. Her journey is one of immense growth—learning to stand up for herself and learning to trust again. Of course, their stories intertwine in a beautiful way. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read in the past few years. I highly recommend it.

Let me start by saying: just because I did not finish (DNF) these books doesn’t mean they are bad. They just weren’t stories I personally enjoyed. I’m sharing them here because we all have different tastes.

Did Not Finish (DNF)

  • Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair
    by Laura Piper Lee
    This book is written by a local North Georgia author. It's a cute book, a romance about a newly single woman reimagining her life, her mountain hippy neighbor, and her family's AirBnB she's renovating. I made it about 60% of the way through the book before I lost interest. I'm may try to come back to it, but for now, it will sit on the DNF shelf.
  • ​Wreck the Halls
    by Tessa Bailey
    I may not be a "themed" kind of romance reader. It's cute, Christmas themed, children of former bandmates venturing into a live stream reality tv show for a reunion. Of course they end up falling for each other, because that's how these types of books work, but I can't tell you how it ends because I didn't finish the book. I just lost steam. If you like the cutesy romances, you'll probably love this one. It had a cute story line, it just wasn't my cup of tea (or hot chocolate).
  • ​Hooked (available on Kindle Unlimited)
    by Emily McIntire
    I started this book because of BookTok/Bookstigram/Internet Recommendations. I made it maybe half way through before I stopped. I couldn't stand the main male character or the main female character. The MMC was rude in a way that I didn't find attractive, while the MFC didn't seem to know how she felt. If you are looking for scorpion pepper level spice and have a thing for Captain Hook, this book is 100% for you. Unfortunately, I am not that person.

What did you read this January and February? What’s on your TBR? Did you have some DNFs too? I’d love to hear how your reading journey is going!

If you buy through one of the links I’ve included above, I may receive a small commission. Interested in some of my other favorite things (not just books)? Head over to the Favorite Things section of my site! You’ll find links to products I’ve actually used and loved.

Hannah Bridle

Hannah Bridle