Monthly Reading, Mystery, Romance, Women's Fiction

Monthly Books Roundup – March 2026

March was a great month for reading. It started out cold but now Spring is in the air with warmer days, road trips, and coffee (or wine) with friends.

I mostly read mysteries this month, but Rachel Hanna came out with her newest book, The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield, so I had to take a break from my mysteries to visit the small town of Copper Creek. I always enjoy visiting the small towns in Rachel’s books.

March Reading List:

I am still reading the Rose Gardner Mystery Series by Denise Grover Swank, so I read four of these books in March.

  1. Ripple of Secrets by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery Series)

    One of the things I truly enjoyed about this book is how the story unfolds from several different points of view. Chapters from Rose, Mason, Joe, and Hillary add significant depth to the story. I don’t like Hillary, so I particularly appreciated seeing things from her perspective; it helped me understand her character much better. This insight reveals the reasons behind her behavior, adding an intriguing layer to the overall story

    2. Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery Series)

    I loved this one!! This book kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you enjoy small-town mysteries with strong characters, a touch of humor, and plenty of suspense, this is a must-read! I highly recommend it!

    3. Thirty-Five and a Half Conspiracies by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery Series)

    This book is a fast-paced and entertaining addition to the Rose Gardner Mysteries series. Denise Grover Swank masterfully crafts a compelling mystery brimming with danger, intrigue, and drama in the small town of Fenton County.

    4. The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield by Rachel Hann

    Rachel Hanna has done it again. She has written a book that makes me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time. This book was a definite five-star read for meโ€”one of those stories that not only entertains but also gently settles into your heart.

    I always envision myself living in the fictional small towns from Rachel’s books. She has a unique ability to draw you into her stories, making you feel like a part of them.

    5. Thirty-Six and a Half Motives by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery Series)

    What I loved most was how the author skillfully balanced the tension of a thrilling investigation with well-developed characters and emotional depth. You become invested in the characters while being completely captivated by the unfolding mystery.

    March Reading Thoughts

    • This month’s theme was mysteries with a Small-Town Romance thrown in.
    • Rachel Hanna had a new book release this month and when she releases a book, I am always going to read it as quickly as possible
    • The month started out cold, but now we are starting to see the beginnings of Spring with a bit warmer weather. Still a great time to read.
    • I am ready for warmer weather so I can read around the pool, take road trips, and travel.

    What about you?

    How many books did you read this month? Did you focus on a specific genre? Iโ€™d love to hear about your favorites! If you have recommendations for what I should pick up next, please share them in the comments.

    You can find all the books I have listed on Amazon. Simply click on the book below to be taken to my Link in Bio. These books will be listed at the top under the category ‘Recently Featured’.

    Monthly Reading, Mystery

    Monthly Books Roundup – February 2026

    February was a great month for cozy reads, with snow and really cold days.I managed to read five books, all mysteries that kept me happily entertained indoors, away from the cold, curled up with my blanket and a cup of coffee.

    This month, my theme has been all mysteries by Denise Grover Swank, who is quickly becoming my favorite mystery author.

    My February Reading List:

    1. Thirty One and a Half Regrets by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #4)โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    This series has it all: romance, newfound love, relationship drama, stalking, intrigue, betrayal, surprises, and suspense, culminating in an ending that will surprise you with unexpected twists along the way. Read full review

    2. Thirty Two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Swank Mystery #5)โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    The mystery kept me guessing, and the emotional tension continued to build. I found myself flipping pages late into the night, eager to discover what would happen next. There was an unexpected twist at the end, and I canโ€™t wait to see how it will be handled. Read full Review

    3. Picking up the Pieces by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #5.5) โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    I feel like readers will enjoy this book and gain a deeper understanding of the characters. Donโ€™t overlook it; this installment adds significant clarity to their development and is an important addition to the series. Read full Review

    4. Thirty Three and a Half Sheanigans by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #6) โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    I absolutely loved this book. Itโ€™s fast-paced, witty, and filled with Denise Grover Swankโ€™s signature humor, which never fails to make me smile and keeps me eager to find out what will happen next. Read full Review

    5. Lost in the Dark by Denise Grover Swank (Harper Adams #4)โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    Since this book has just been released, I decided to take a break from the Rose Gardner series to read the newest installment featuring Harper Adams. I’ve loved her since the beginning of book one, so I couldn’t wait to see where she and James Malcolm are now.
    I am working on this review and will post it in the next day or two.

    February Reading Thoughts

    • Mysteries were definitely my theme this month.
    • Denise Grover Swank has dominated my reading list, as all the books I’ve read recently are hers. I am so addicted to her writing!
    • Since part of my February was snowy, the best way to spend it was curled up with my blanket and some great mysteries by Denise Grover Swank.

    What about you?

    How many books did you read this month? Did you focus on a specific genre? I’d love to hear about your favorites! If you have recommendations for what I should pick up next, please share them in the comments.

    Visit my Bookish & Cozy Favorites page to purchase any of these books. Click on the book below to go directly to the page, or you can use the link in the menu.

    Monthly Reading

    Monthly Book Roundup: January 2026 Reads

    Hello, cozy book lovers!


    January was a fantastic month for mysteriesโ€”full of clever sleuths, twists, and plenty of cozy vibes. I managed to read 7 books, all cozy mysteries that kept me happily sipping coffee and curling up in blankets.

    Hereโ€™s what I read this month:


    My January Reading List

    1. What She Saw by Mary Burton โ€“ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    A gripping cozy mystery that kept me guessing until the very last page.Read full review

    2. Deadly Secret by Tammy L. Grace (Cooper Harrington #7) โ€“ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    I loved revisiting Cooper Harringtonโ€™s worldโ€”suspenseful, clever, and totally page-turning. Read full review

    3. Echoes of Her by Denise Grover Swank (Maddie Baker Mystery #3) โ€“ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    Another thrilling installment that had me hooked. Swankโ€™s mysteries are always fun to unravel. Read full review

    4. Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #1) โ€“ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    A perfect cozy mystery startโ€”fun, engaging, and filled with heart. Read full review

    5. Falling to Pieces by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #3.5) โ€“ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    Loved the story, though this one felt a little slower than the others. Still, totally enjoyable. Read full review

    6. Twenty Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #2) โ€“ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    This book stole my heart with clever twists and relatable characters. My favorite of the month! Read full review

    7. Thirty and a Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #3) โ€“ โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
    A satisfying continuation of the series with all the cozy mystery charm I love. Read full review


    Favorite of the Month

    Hands down, What She Saw by Mary Burton is a thrilling roller coaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you uncover the truth. It has it all: suspense, mystery, emotion, and just the right amount of romance, all without overshadowing the central mystery.

    January Reading Thoughts

    • Cozy mysteries were definitely my theme this month.
    • Denise Grover Swank dominated my reading listโ€”her series are just so addictive!
    • Reading with coffee, blankets, and a warm nook never gets old.

    What about you?
    Did you read any cozy mysteries this month? Iโ€™d love to hear your favorites! And if you have recommendations for what I should pick up next, drop them in the comments.