Weekly Wrap-Up | July Reading Recap: Dragons, Bookstores & Cozy Crimes

Hey, bookish friends! It’s been a wonderfully chaotic 10 days in my reading world—and I’m so excited to share what’s been on my bookshelf (and in my earbuds)! From dragon-filled skies to charming small-town mysteries, here's what I finished, loved, and... didn’t quite finish this past week and a half.

✅ BOOKS I FINISHED

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

I don’t think there’s anything left to say about Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros that hasn’t already been said—but here I am anyway, because I finally read it.

Since diving into romantic fantasy, this might be my favorite read yet. I’ll admit, I was hesitant—most of what I’d seen focused on the romance between Violet and Xaden. And while their connection is beautiful (yes, I skipped the spicy parts—just a personal preference), what truly hooked me was everything else.

The family and friendship dynamics? So well written. The fighting and training scenes? Absolutely incredible—and as someone who used to be in the military, I felt those.

Now, about Jack… there is one character I wish I could’ve met on the mat, because the way I despise that man? Holy moly. I was ready to throw hands through the pages.

This book entertained me, broke my heart (I was seriously crying the last part of the book), patched it up again, and left me reeling at the cliffhanger. And honestly—this is how you write the first book in a series. Not one of those “just wait until book three, it gets better” situations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

The Sandy Page Bookshop by Hannah McKinnon

Hot off the press (July 22), The Sandy Page Bookshop by is everything I look for in a women’s fiction book. So much that I would not be surprised if I reread this book in the next couple of months. From the very first page, I was drawn into an endearing story filled with characters I connected with instantly—people who felt real, relatable, and warm. I love a good reinvention arc, and this book delivers beautifully on that, weaving a story where the main character not only rebuilds her life but truly grows through her journey.

As someone who grew up on an island, I’m always deeply moved by stories set in coastal towns, and this one captures that atmosphere so well—the salt in the air, the small-town rhythms, the sense of home and possibility. Add to that a story centered around a bookshop? I’m completely in. There’s something magical about a narrative that brings together community, personal growth, and the comforting presence of books.

If you like slow-burn romance with no explicit content, this book fits well. The romance is tender, rooted in mutual respect, and allows emotional intimacy to take center stage. This is the type of women’s fiction I have been turning to.

For me, this book felt like a warm hug. It left me with that cozy, contented feeling you get after spending time in a place that just feels right. It’s heartwarming, hopeful, and everything a feel-good story should be.

Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the eARC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Savy Summers and Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoka

Cozy mystery alert! Coming on July 29, Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Pie Crimes is one book I’m so excited to share! This mystery is full of flavor and heart and pulled me in from the very first page— I immediately knew it was a book I’d adore. Savvy’s voice, her café’s vibe, and the drama-with-pie combo instantly clicked. Set in Chicago’s South Side— it has a great blend of mystery, food, and community.

Savvy is a strong, determined lead who takes charge of the investigation. The supporting cast of locals adds charm and depth.

Witty, warm tone throughout—full of flavor in every sense. A pinch of romance and a few tasty plot twists keep it fun. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with strong female leads and lots of heart. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden

In May, I had the opportunity to read an ARC for this @rachellinden_writer newest book (coming October 2025) and I loved it (review coming soon). Loved it so much that I ordered some of her other books, including Recipe for a Charmed Life, and it was an absolute delight!

I had a feeling I’d enjoy it from the start. Stories with a food element always draw me in— but this book offered so much more. From the very first page, I was hooked and stayed fully immersed until the last.

The story beautifully explores second chances, often arising after deeply tragic events. There’s a thread of romance-not overwhelming or overly passionate, but gently simmering-and I appreciated that, as it allowed the more meaningful aspects of the story to shine.

There were moments that surprised me, even moved me to tears. At its heart, this is a book about learning to trust again, offering grace to others, and discovering how much simpler and sweeter life can be when we follow where our heart truly leads.

The characters felt relatable, their situations authentic, and I especially enjoyed the contrast in tone between the Paris setting and the Pacific Northwest-it added a lovely depth and richness. All in all, this was a truly wonderful read that I absolutely loved. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

🎧 AUDIOBOOK I FINISHED

Inheritance (Lost Bride Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts

I’ve never read (or listened to!) a Nora Roberts book I didn’t love, and ‘Inheritance’— Book 1 in the Lost Bride Trilogy— is no exception. What I love about her storytelling is how it starts out solid and engaging, but before you know it, you’re all in. The layers unfold slowly and then suddenly, you have to know what happens next.

This one has it all (if you liked the Garden Trilogy or the Inn Boonsboro Trilogy, you’re in for a treat!):

  • A little ghostly mystery

  • A gorgeous, slightly eerie estate setting

  • A hint of slow-burn romance

  • Family secrets, found family, and some suspenseful twists

  • And what a cliffhanger!

And the audiobook? Absolutely fantastic. The narrator has a gorgeous voice and does a brilliant job bringing each character to life—including the male voices, which can be tricky in some audiobooks. Her performance made the whole experience even more immersive.

This one’s perfect for fans of gothic-tinged fiction with heart, audiobook lovers who want a top-notch narrator, readers who enjoy slow builds, strong heroines, and a bit of the supernatural, and Nora Roberts fans (of course!).

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a cozy-but-creepy listen that blends romance, mystery, and a touch of the otherworldly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the audiobook copy.

❌ DNF Corner

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Okay… this might be controversial, but I had to DNF Iron Flame. I wanted to love it. After Fourth Wing, I was so ready for the sequel—but it just didn’t pull me in the same way. Actually, let me be blunt—

WHAT HAPPENED TO BOOK 2?! Oh, this one broke my heart because I loved Fourth Wing. I went into Iron Flame expecting to be swept away, but instead I felt… lost. The world-building, which should have expanded beautifully, felt messy and overstuffed with so many characters that I struggled to care about anyone outside of Violet and Xaden.

And speaking of them… it felt like hundreds of pages of constant bickering and miscommunication. Where was the spark and growth I adored in book one? Instead, I found myself exhausted by their arguments and longing for something cohesive and gripping.

The story had glimmers of what I loved—dragons, danger, and raw emotion—but the pacing dragged, and the magic of Fourth Wing just wasn’t there for me.

⭐⭐️.5/5 stars

💡 A Little Something Extra

Steady Now by Liberty Stowe

This book was my choice as part of Camp NetGalley, and online reading event running from July7-August 1. You pick one of the pre-selected books and write a review to get your Camp NetGalley badge (who doesn’t love a badge?!

And while I have not finished it, I started Steady Now by Liberty Stowe, and I am hooked. It is a fun and flirty story with all the elements I love in a summer read. And the story grabbed me from the first line:


“Oh my God, I thought you were dead.” Death. That’s one solution. “Where are you?” Anderson’s high pitch tells me he’s really worried about me.

I’m excited to see where this story takes me next!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Overall, it’s been a solid reading stretch—4 finished books, 1 audiobook success, and 1 DNF I don’t feel guilty about. Especially after my blah June when I did not read a single book (I blame the May reading hangover). I’m leaning into lighter reads and cozy vibes right now, with just a dash of fantasy and magic.

Let me know what you read this week! Did you finish anything amazing? Or DNF something you thought you’d love? Until next time—happy reading!

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