I’m ecstatic to share my 2025 March book haul with the fifteen books I’m adding to my collection. I had such fun book shopping this month as I visited a distinctive indie bookshop near downtown San Antonio and had fun purchasing second-hand titles via Half Price Books and Pango Books. So, let’s get into what I picked up this month!
Pandora’s Bookstore
114 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78205
I visited this quirky bookstore located in the Alamo Heights area situated near Travis Park. While I wasn’t in love with the parking situation and having to pay for parking I did find the bookstore itself to be interesting. They have a small collection of books and also sell bath products and clothing items. Giving it a charming offbeat vibe. Here are the two books that I purchased from here.
Becoming by Michelle Obama | Nonfiction, Memoir
A reflective memoir in which the former First Lady reflects candidly about her life and her becoming the version of herself we see today. From her childhood on the south side of Chicago to being a professional juggling a career, motherhood, and marriage, to being the first Black First Lady of the United States of America. She shares her triumphs and disappointments both public and private. Relaying her story as only she can in her own words.
I’m eager to read Michelle Obama’s story. I’ve recently discovered my love of memoirs and learning more about public figures and celebrities as they tell their story. I do regret not purchasing the hardcover version of this title as I think it would be beautiful to have in my collection. Perhaps, I’ll buy one in the future for collecting purposes only.
The Nigerwife by Vanessa Walters | Mystery Thriller
A twisty thriller where Nicole Oruwari a socialite married to a wealthy Nigerian man, is living a life of luxury in Lagos, Nigeria. Until she goes missing following a boat trip. Dissatisfied with the results of the case Auntie Claudine travels to Nigeria to get to the truth. But the more she uncovers her niece’s secrets her troubled past comes to light.
I saw the beautiful cover for this novel and was immediately intrigued by the premise. I love international mystery thrillers and this sounds like it will be deliciously dark and sinister. I’ve added it to my April TBR and am excited to read it!
Cheever Books
3613 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
Next up I visited Cheever Books which is a used book store specializing in rare editions and collectibles. While this wasn’t necessarily my vibe as I don’t collect rare or first editions. But, it’s a great store for those who do. Plus, the owner is so friendly and shares tidbits of information about the books and their history which is super thoughtful. I only purchased one book.
Desperation by Stephen King | Horror
Somewhere along Interstate 50, there’s a desolate place known as Desperation, Nevada. A couple, a family, and a lone traveler happen upon this town walking into an epic battle of good versus evil.
When I saw this edition I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. I had a tangible memory of exploring my older sister’s book collection and being fascinated by this cover. She’s the person who got me into Stephen King in the first place. So, I knew I had to have it just for that nostalgic hit. I’m sure I’ll read it soon maybe over the summer.
Half Price Books
When it comes to second-hand books this store is my favorite. I still need to explore independently owned used bookstores in my city. However, I enjoy going here for the books, DVDs, and vinyl. I came away like a bandit picking up four beloved titles.
Betting on You by Lynn Painter | YA Contemporary
After a disastrous first encounter, Bailey and Charlie are less than impressed with one another. So, imagine Bailey’s surprise when she discovers he’s her co-worker at her job at the water park. They become unlikely allies and chat about the happenings at the park including the staff romances. But somewhere along the way feelings blossom. Will Charlie’s secret ruin their chance at love before it starts?
I enjoyed Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter and I’m excited to try another title by this author and this sounds cute enough.
The Measure by Nikki Erlick | Speculative
We follow eight ordinary people faced with an extraordinary choice. When mysterious boxes appear on doorsteps worldwide their contents will have a massive impact on a global scale. Each box contains a string that determines your life expectancy with short strings equaling a short life span and long strings a long lifespan. Witness how this revelation impacts every aspect of society from politics, relationships, dating, love, career, health, and so much more. All exploring the concept of what is the true meaning of life.
This was a library selection that I read a couple of years ago and I loved it. Now that I’m rebuilding my collection I knew that I had to have this. I’m also going to do a re-read because I can’t wait to revist this poignant story.
Funny Story by Emily Henry | Romance
This heartfelt romance follows Daphne following her fiancee Peter unceremoniously leaving her for his best female friend Petra on the eve of his bachelor party. Leaving Daphne to pick up the pieces of their fractured relationship. With nowhere to live she moves in with Petra’s ex-boyfriend Miles. After, wallowing in their heartbreak Miles and Daphne develop a fledgling friendship. Their friendship slowly blossoms into attraction and then potentially love. But can Daphne overcome her fear of abandonment and betrayal and dare to let her heart love again?
I read this e-book on Libby in February for Valentine’s Day and I loved it so much! I was waiting for the paperback version to become available so I could add it to my collection. And, finally, here we are! Who knows I might even re-read it because it was just that precious.
Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver | YA Contemporary
Sisters Dara and Nick were close before Dara’s accident left her face disfigured. Then Dara disappears on her birthday. Nick thinks she’s playing around until Madeline Snow disappears too. Now, Nick must find her sister before it’s too late.
I’ve read multiple books by Lauren Oliver in the past and have been generally pleased with her work. Aside from the final installment of her dystopian trilogy Requiem. That book was a bit of a disappointment. However, I’m intrigued to see what this is all about.
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi | Magical Realism
The bridegroom is completely enamored with his beloved wife Indigo. Her mystique and secrecy intrigue him with a passionate love that’s beyond his wildest desire. His wife’s only demand is that he never look into her past but only live in the present. Drunk in love he agrees. Then her aunt’s declining health sends the newlyweds to her childhood home and despite his best intentions, he finds himself exploring her past uncovering a truth that threatens the very fabric of his marriage.
I read this on a whim in December as I came across this copy at my local library. I was utterly smitten by this lyrical, gothic fairy tale. I knew that I had to add this to my collection. So, when I stumbled upon this beautiful edition I knew I had to grab it.
Pango Books
For better or worse I love the Pango Books app. The fact that I get to support actual people and help them rehome books from their collection is so cool to me. These titles were specific editions of these books that I’ve been searching for and found on Pango.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern | Fantasy, Magical Realism
Zachary Ezra Rawlins discovers a mysterious book at his school library. While it tells an enchanting tale of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes he stumbles onto a story that’s familiar as it’s a memory from his childhood. Desperate to make sense of this mystery he stumbles into the existence of an ancient library hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. Complete with a cast of characters he uncovers the truth of his life’s purpose and the breathtaking beauty of his unique story.
This is another book I read a couple of years ago that I fell in love with. It was such an experience and left me utterly mesmerized. I’m so happy to have this book in my collection and will probably re-read it this fall.
In Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim | Sci-Fi
Grieving husband Jonas Cullen decides to defy fate and risks it all to find the one universe in which his late wife Amanda survives after a fatal accident in his world claims her life. However, between the universe and a sinister enemy, his mission is easier said than done.
This was an Amazon First Reads selection I read a couple of summers ago that I fell in love with. And I’m ecstatic that it’s on my shelves.
Barnes & Noble
For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga | YA Fantasy
A reimagining of the classic The Count of Monte Cristo in which Dania is betrayed by her first love and spends 364 days in prison. She allies with a fellow prisoner to escape and claim a stolen djinn treasure. Afterwards armed with dark magic and a new identity Dania seeks vengeance on the one who wronged her. Only to realize that it’s not as simple as she planned especially when she still has feelings for the only boy she’s ever loved.
I LOVE revenge stories! And, I’m excited that this is a retelling of one of my favorite classics.
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma | YA Fantasy
A dark academia fantasy where Kidan Adane will stop at nothing to find her twin sister June even confront the vampire suspected of her disappearance Susenyos Sagad. To find June Kidan decides to infiltrate Uxlay University where humans learn how to coexist with vampires peacefully and inherit their family legacy. To make matters worse she must live in her childhood home with the sinister Susenyos who does all he can to drive her away. Yet, when a murder shares striking similarities to her sister’s disappearance Kidan becomes drawn into the dark underbelly of the vampires and students. Kidan finds herself entangled in a centuries-old threat with June caught in the middle and is forced to risk it all to do what she must to save her sister.
I’ve waited months for this book to become available at my library and due to it being so remarkable I decided I needed to own it specifically the special edition version.
Oathbound by Tracy Deonn | YA Fantasy
The Legendborn Cycle series follows Bree Matthews as she goes to UNC-Chapel Hill’s High School Student Studies program to escape the grief of her mother’s passing due to an accident. Upon arriving on campus she witnesses a demon attack that introduces her to the secret society of The Order and the Legendbron those who are sworn to protect humans from demons in an epic fight of good versus evil. Bree becomes suspicious of the secret society and believes they may have a role in her mother’s accident and convinces Nick an exiled Legendborn member to help her infiltrate the order and uncover the truth about her mother. In the process, she learns the truth about not only the order but her lineage and history forever changing her life.
The third installment of the Legendborn Cycle series was released on the 4th and the way I ran to the store to grab my copy! I’m still in the process of finishing Bloodmarked and doing my best to enjoy this experience and journey as it may be a little while before we get the fourth and final book of the series.
Legendborn by Tracy Deon Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition Paperback with Sprayed Edges | YA Fantasy
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deon Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition Paperback with Sprayed Edges | YA Fantasy
These are all the books I purchased in March and the interesting bookstores I got the pleasure of visiting. Let me know what books you acquired last month and what’s your favorite bookstores. Let me know in the comments below. Happy reading friends!
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