Books I’ve Been Reading in Spring 2025
In this post, I talk about the books I’m reading in spring 2025.
Can you believe we are two-thirds of the way through spring? It has been nice to see things blooming and hear the birds chirping outside. I look forward to this time of year after the bitter cold of winter. I have also been enjoying reading a few books that remind me of spring! In the spring of 2024, I read a lot of romance and books about gardening and homesteading. This year, I’m still reading romance, but I’m also leaning into historical fiction. Here are the five books I have been reading this spring.
As important as I think it is to support libraries and independent bookstores, I understand this is not a possibility for everyone. So, I’ve included links to purchase the books mentioned in this post through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which is the best way you can support this blog. Ultimately, please choose the method that works best for you!
Dungeons and Drama (Dungeons and Drama #1)
By Kristy Boyce (2024)
YA Romance. Musical-obsessed Riley plans to become a director on Broadway one day, but she needs her high school to bring back the spring musical so she can practice. Unfortunately, she is grounded for stealing her mom’s car and is forced to work at her dad’s gaming shop as punishment. However, Riley finds a new acting opportunity at the shop - pretending to be employee Nathan’s girlfriend in front of his crush to make her jealous. But, Riley did not realize this meant playing DnD, and that she would enjoy herself, and she doesn’t actually mind flirting with Nathan all that much.
I’ve finished this one already, and it was a quick read. I like to keep up with YA, and I was feeling the need for something light-hearted. Riley reminds me of myself in high school - she loves theatre, participates in school’s music program, and likes to wear outfits that stand out. Even though this story takes place in the fall, I thought this would be perfect for spring because most school drama clubs put on a spring musical. My husband and I also went down a little DnD rabbit hole a couple of years ago in the spring, so this book brings up those memories!
The Other Bennet Sister
By Janice Hadlow (2020)
Historical fiction/retelling. For fans of Pride & Prejudice, this story imagines what would happen if Mary, the outcast Bennet sister, was given a chance at happiness. Mary is the sister that Jane Austen loves to hate. She’s too intellectual, not very interesting, and not very pretty. The first part of this story retells Pride & Prejudice through Mary’s eyes, and everything comes to a head when Mary is ridiculed by her family in front of everyone at a party. From this point, the reader will see how Mary evolves from self-conscious to self-assured, undoes the damage done to her by her family, and perhaps finds love. You will see all the familiar characters of P&P, both the ones you love and the ones that make you cringe. This is a must-read for any Jane Austen fan!
This has been my favorite book I’ve read so far this season! In my opinion, spring is the season of regency/historical fiction romances! I love to watch Jane Austen movies and TV shows during this time of year. While this book is not exclusively a romance, it does include a relationship plot line. What Jane Austen-inspired novel wouldn’t? I am excited that Mary is given a redemption arc - she did not deserve the lot she was given in her fictional life!
A Novel Love Story
By Ashley Poston (2024)
Romance. Elsy loves romance books, specifically the Quixotic Falls series, which she enjoys discussing with her virtual book club. The club usually gets together in person at a cabin once a year. But this year, everyone is too busy with other parts of their lives to meet up, and Elsy decides to set out alone to the cabin for a week of romance novel-reading. However, on her way to the cabin, Elsy’s car breaks down in a town that seems awfully familiar to her… because it’s Eloraton, the fictional town from Quixotic Falls. How the heck did Elsy get here?! Also, Elsy knows every character in these books, but she can’t recall the grumpy-yet-handsome bookstore owner she meets her first night in town. Who is he? If you’ve ever wished you could be a character in your favorite book, this story is for you!
I actually just finished this one a couple of days after spring started, but I still wanted to keep it on my list! I am a big fan of Ashley Poston’s books, and this one was just as good as the others I’ve read by her. It was a very fun, light-hearted romance, and the setting definitely had me thinking of warmer weather. Eloraton is the quintessential Hallmark town, and all of the characters are lovable. It’s a great little escape read!
The Briar Club
By Kate Quinn (2024)
Historical Fiction. Set in Washington, D.C. in the 1950, several women who live in a boarding house begin to form bonds that will carry them through good times and bad… But can their bond survive an unforgivable act of violence? Meet the Briar Club, a group of women from all walks of life who come together for dinner every Thursday night to find companionship post World War II. Each woman’s story is different, but they all manage to find common ground. However, something terrible has occurred in the boarding house, and the women must decide who among them is hiding a dangerous side.
I am currently reading this book, and I love the format. Each chapter is through the perspective of a different woman living in the boarding house. You will meet a young and free-spirited widow, a policeman’s daughter dating a dangerous gangster, a former communist, and a few other great characters! Between each chapter, you will hear the from the house itself, as a living and breathing entity who sees and hears all. I am so intrigued by this book, and I am enjoying getting to know each woman. People are not always who they seem to be! Another great aspect of this book is that there are recipes throughout. Whenever a significant food is mentioned, there is a recipe to accompany it. This would be a great book to read with friends or a book club. There are lots of interesting points to discuss and recipes to enjoy together!
Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2)
By Rebecca Yarros (2023)
Fantasy/Romance. The second book in The Empyrean series, which follows heroine Violet Sorrengail as she continues her time at Basgiath War College. Violet must try to uncover the secrets that leadership may be hiding, while also trying to survive.
I don’t want to say too much about this book since it’s the second in a series. I read the first book, Fourth Wing, a few months ago and loved it! The second book did not hold my attention as much as the first, but I still enjoyed it and will read the third book. I read a few different books in between the first and second Empyreans, and I should have revisited Fourth Wing before starting Iron Flame. A lot of people have compared this series to Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Game of Thrones. I would add Sarah J. Maas to this list as an author read-alike! There is something for everyone - action, suspense, mystery, romance (spicy), dragons, witty banter, and so much more. I am not a big fantasy reader, and even I am loving this series. It’s a very approachable fantasy read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
What have you been reading this spring? Do we have any books or themes in common, or have you read any of these books already? Please let me know in the comments! I would love to know what you’re inspired to read this season. :)