Team OwlCrate Books Of The Month: What We Read In February 2025

I absolutely loved the new Sarah Beth Durst book. This had all the coziness and heartwarming scenes that The Spellshop did, but in my opinion, it was even better because magic greenhouses? Yes.

I loved the magic system that she's created here, especially the things carried over from The Spellshop but brought to the next level. Sarah Beth Durst writes nature-y scenes and nature magic better than anyone else!

“Can I go into your heart?”

As per Cade’s recommendation from a while ago, I ended up picking up Incidents Around The House and read it in one sitting. It had me hooked from the beginning and got so much creepier and more interesting as the story progressed. I was confident I knew how the story would end, but oh boy, was I wrong.

I had no idea that Josh Malerman is also the author of Bird Box, which I never had the chance to read, but I did watch the movie and loved it. Incidents Around The House is also being adapted into a movie as of this year, and although I’m not a big fan of horror on screen, I will definitely be visiting the cinema for this one!

After reading another book by this author back in January and loving the inner monologue and stream-of-consciousness style, I went right into this one. It’s a perfect depiction of what it’s like being neurodivergent and living with a mental illness.

The main character (and narrator) is a 20-something, lesbian atheist, filled with anxiety and dread. She accidentally gets a job as a receptionist at a local Catholic church after the receptionist passed away.

It might be too morbid and depressing for some but somehow comforting to others, like myself, perhaps because of how honest it feels. It’s relatable, quirky, funny, and quite deep!

Witty, fun, queer, fast-paced, sci-fi heist story? Sign me up!

Edie has spent the better part of a decade in prison due to the betrayal of a friend. When they’re finally free, they're determined to get on the straight and narrow and be there for their family. That is, until the person who betrayed them and got them sent to prison in the first place approaches Edie with one last deal that will set them up for life.

After a good friend of mine recommended this book to me, I knew I had to dive in immediately as it encompasses so many literary loves of mine: magical realism, star-crossed lovers, second chance romance, coming-of-age, a curse-riddled island, and a strong character-driven plot.

This book delivered everything I was looking for! Quietly lyrical and reflective writing, a romance I kept rooting for, a smidge of dark magic, small island life, and a good dose of heartbreak.

Fans of magical realism and the writing styles of Meg Shaffer (The Lost Story), Ruth Emmie Lang (Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance), and Ava Reid will find much to enjoy in this one.

This book fed my need for Bridgerton vibes with a little bit of magic.

Dora is dealt a unique set of cards from an unfortunate childhood encounter with a faerie, and while out in London with her cousin, she meets Lord Sorcier, who she becomes intertwined with in the most unexpected ways of the magical world and in her heart.

This story felt so refreshing to read and almost nostalgic, as it really gave me a fairy tale vibe that I grew up on. And who doesn’t love a cute romance?

Bristol and her two sisters lost both of their parents and are trying to make it in their small town. When Bristol gets a suspicious letter from a family member that she never knew existed, things get a little interesting.

I loved Bristol from the start. I was pulled into her story and needed to know everything. The story gives us little breadcrumbs of information that I just needed to understand. I really enjoyed the romance and the bit of spice, and I also adored the friendships. I did not want to put the book down, and I cannot wait to read more in this series.

Carolina has always wanted to join her family of vampire hunters if only her father would see her, really see her. She has all the skill and talent, except she is a girl. Lalo is normally very level-headed. Whatever made him go after the vampire that murdered his parents, no one will ever know. Now, he himself is changing and will do everything he can to stop it.

Carolina and Lalo have what is now one of my favorite meet-cutes! What if she does try to kill him?! The banter between the two throughout the book is so fun. I also adore the side characters, including Fernanda. Although this is a vampire and vampire hunter love story, it was so different than any I have read—the vampires were different, and I was immersed in this story from start to finish.

This story was so creepy and interesting and I loved it!

Ceci and her mother are forced back to her mother's hometown when Ceci's stepfather is arrested for fraud. When they arrive, Ceci keeps hearing rumors of a curse from La Cegua. Everyone is told to stay out of the woods, but curiosity killed the cat, and Ceci cannot help herself. Along with her new friend Jamie, they will uncover strange and creepy things.