February Reads

This month I tended to go back to authors I know and love. In fact, the only new-to-me authors this month were my non-fiction read, so let’s start there. 

Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi

I think this is definitely my most important read this month. This book is based on the Bored and Brilliant challenge that Zomorodi devised and did with listeners to her Note to Self podcast. It was meant to both test how technology is shaping us and to explore the areas in which we want/need to tame it. Zomorodi encouragers of the book to read the entire book first, then to take a week and implement each of the seven challenges, one each day. 

Being a rule follower, I read the book and will soon begin the challenges. (I’ll let you know my thoughts on that in an entire post when I’ve finished and evaluated the experience!) Anyway, the book itself, even if you don’t do the challenges, is eye-opening to the extent in which technology has reshaped our brains and reshaped us as a people. It is not an anti-technology book; it is a you-control-tech-instead-of-letting-it-control-you book. Highly, highly recommended, not only for yourself but as a parent (or grandparent) to children who have only know the digital age.

Now on to the fun stuff—fiction!

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews

Oh, Mimi Matthews! I continue to be in awe of the way she weaves a regency romance with all the usual stories but in completely unusual ways! Loved this first of the Parish Orphans series. Can’t wait to read the rest! 

The Warrior’s Seal by Ronie Kendig

I’m not a huge suspense/action reader, but occasionally I’m up for the tension of such a read. And when I am, I go to storytellers like Ronie. I’m way behind on her books, so this is an older title, but I loved its connection to history. This is a novella in her Tox Files series, and I will definitely be putting the full length books on my reading list! 

The Number of Love by Roseanna White

I love how this first novel of The Codebreakers series segues out of her previous Shadows Over England Series. (Of course I missed the last one in that series and now need to go back and read it!) The hero and heroine of this story are both great, with interesting back stories and war jobs to keep things flowing quickly. Looking forward to the next one in the series!

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

Oh, Jen! She’s such a bright and funny lady, and her books reflect that. I read these when I need a good laugh, and this one did not disappoint! The heroine finds herself in all kinds of hilarious predicaments and you have to love the stuffy British aristocrat who has to save her out of them all! 

An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz

One of Laura’s greatest strengths as a novelist is setting her reader firmly in a time and place through both description and word choices. I love that! I also love her lyrical language and the depth of her characters. This story in particular seemed to grab me and not let go. Tessa and Clay will live in my mind a very long time. 

A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews

#2 in the Parish Orphans of Devon series, I loved this story of travel from England to India in the mid-19th century! I felt like I experienced it with them! But beyond that, I loved two people who want different things but want each other figuring out what that looks like. 

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

Oh my. I have loved every Katherine Reay book, but this one—this one!—has jumped to the top to be my absolute favorite of hers! And that’s huge! I loved this story of three woman who have lost themselves and find a way back through friendship and a book shop. I love each woman’s journey. I love the choices Katherine Reay made as far as how each character tells their story. Love, love, love. In case you were wondering, highly recommended! 

As you can see, I read some great books this month—and I’ve got several I’m excited about on tap for March! 

What stories touched your heart in February?