What I've Been Reading This Month (+mini reviews)

PJ's, a sweet treat, and a good book? A life necessity <3

2025 is flying by, but I’ve still found time to curl up with a book—and honestly? It’s been saving me. Here's a peek at the books that kept me company this month, along with my cozy little reviews (no spoilers, I promise).🌸

🐚 1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

This was a reread because… sometimes I need a little ocean breeze and teen angst, okayyy? Belly is frustrating and adorable all at once, and the whole Cousins Beach vibe makes me want to wear an oversized hoodie and go sit on a porch swing.

Vibe: Summer nights, messy hearts, barefoot emotions

Rating: ★★★★☆

🧠 2. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

A woman shoots her husband and never speaks another word. A therapist becomes obsessed with her silence. And you will not see the ending coming. This book made me whisper “oh my gosh” out loud and stare at a wall when I finished. GOLDEN.

Vibe: Dark academia, psychological, a slow burn to insane

Rating: ★★★★☆

🕵️‍♀️ 3. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Pip is the detective I didn’t know I needed. Smart, awkward, so persistent. I loved how multimedia this felt—interviews, emails, notes—and how it peeled back layer after layer. A murder mystery that’s surprisingly real and emotional. You think you have things figured out, then get hit with insane plot twists. This trilogy is INCREDIBLE 1000/10

Vibe: Podcast-core, smart girl detective, gripping

Rating: ★★★★★

👀 4. They’re Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso

Elite prep school + secret society + missing girl = me staying up way too late. The plot moves fast, the setting feels eerie and elite, and it’s perfect if you want something fun but dark. I read this book ALL THE TIME. It's my instant go-to for park trips, road trips, or sunny afternoon.

Vibe: Gossip Girl meets One of Us is Lying

Rating: ★★★★★

🏺 5. Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

An oldie but such a goodie. Spies in ancient Egypt, secret messages, palace intrigue, and a fiery, clever heroine who’s always walking a tightrope. I felt like I was in the hot sand and gold-lined halls the whole time. Reminds me a little bit of Aladdin, just better.

Vibe: Historical girlboss energy, ancient danger, slow-burn romance

Rating: ★★★★½

🌹 6. Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

This is the cozy, enchanted, darker version of Beauty and the Beast. It’s less action, more atmosphere—like a fairy tale told by candlelight. The rose garden metaphors? Gorgeous. You NEED Lana Del Rey in the background, with "Once Upon a Dream"

Vibe: Soft magic, earthy, dreamy, with such a soft romance. Very “tea in a greenhouse at dusk”

Rating: ★★★★★

❄️ 7. Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

A feminist Snow White retelling with actual depth?? Yes please. This flips the evil stepmother trope on its head and explores complicated mother-daughter dynamics, power, and identity. It’s haunting and delicate all at once.

Vibe: Frosty, poetic, quietly powerful

Rating: ★★★★☆

💫 Until Next Time!

That’s it for this month’s reads — twisty plots, fierce heroines, ancient drama, and fairytale feels 💕📚 Honestly? My TBR is just growing by the minute and I’m not even mad about it. If you’ve read any of these, let’s obsess together in the comments 👀🫶 and if you’ve got recs for anything mysterious, magical, or just plain unputdownable — send them my way!!

Happy reading & cozy corners always,

xoxo

🌸 Emma 🌙✨