What I Read in February 2025
📍 Norwalk, CT

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February may be the shortest month of the year, but that didn’t stop me from squeezing in an impressive amount of reading! I made my way through eight books this month, bringing my total to 14 for the year so far. From gripping historical fiction to biographies of fascinating women, this month’s reads spanned a range of genres but all had one thing in common—compelling storytelling. If you’re looking to add something new to your reading list, here’s what I read in February.

When Paris Went Dark

I definitely inherited my dad’s passion for history, and lately, I’ve been consumed by learning about the French Resistance during World War II. When Paris Went Dark offers an enlightening and deeply researched portrait of my favorite city during the dark years of German Occupation. Rosbottom captures both the devastation and the quiet defiance of Parisians in a way that made me feel like I was walking through those very streets. If you’re as fascinated by this era as I am, it’s a must-read.

By Her Own Design

I first learned about Ann Lowe at the Women Dressing Women exhibit at the MET’s Costume Institute, where her exquisite craftsmanship and groundbreaking impact on American fashion instantly struck me. I knew I had to learn more. Huguley brings Ann Lowe’s story to life in By Her Own Design, weaving together history and fiction to tell the tale of a woman whose talent was unmatched, even if she didn’t always get the credit she deserved. A must-read for anyone who loves fashion, history, and stories of resilience.

Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret

Ninety-Nine Glimpse of Princess Margaret is as unconventional and unpredictable as Princess Margaret herself. Rather than a straightforward biography, Brown assembles anecdotes, interviews, and even imagined moments to create a witty, sharp, and often scandalous portrait of the Queen’s younger sister. Margaret was the royal rebel, and whether you love her or find her exasperating, this book paints her as the deeply complex and fascinating figure she was. Perfect for fans of royal history with a side of gossip.

Miss Dior

Catherine Dior is another woman we, as a society, should know more about. In Miss Dior, Picardie not only documents Catherine’s bravery in the French Resistance but also gives a name to the countless women who served alongside her, many of whom ultimately lost their lives. This book had me crying but also filled me with hope—it’s a tribute to resilience, sisterhood, and survival. After you read this, I highly recommend watching The New Look on Apple TV for a visual dive into this incredible story.

Rare Objects

Set in Depression-era Boston, Rare Objects follows Maeve, a woman rebuilding her life after scandal, who finds herself working in an antique shop filled with curiosities and hidden stories. It’s one of those books that transports you—filled with glamour, intrigue, and richly drawn characters. Tessaro’s storytelling has a way of making history feel both mysterious and intimate, and I loved the themes of reinvention and the power of female friendship woven throughout.

Meet Me in Monaco

Meet Me in Monaco is pure escapism, blending historical fiction, romance, and the dazzling world of Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier. Set against the backdrop of the Côte d’Azur, it follows a perfumer and a British journalist whose lives intertwine during this iconic moment in history. It’s atmospheric, glamorous, and perfect for fans of Old Hollywood, the French Riviera, and the art of fragrance. Pour a glass of rosé and let yourself get swept away.

My Life in France

My Life in France has been such an inspiration to me. The joy and verve that Julia Child put into every aspect of her life feel contagious, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in it. While reading this, I felt the feminine urge to whip up Coq Au Vin (it turned out wonderfully, in my humble opinion), book a one-way ticket to France, and take a deep dive into how to turn my passion into something bigger. If you love food, travel, or simply the idea of embracing life with open arms, this book is for you.

The Librarians of Lisbon

Casablanca is my number one, hands-down favorite movie of all time, and The Librarians of Lisbon felt like an extension of that world—smoky hotel bars filled with spies, traitors, and whispered secrets. It’s a book I just couldn’t put down and really never wanted to end. I was so intrigued by the story of librarians being used by the OSS that I immediately picked up Books and Daggers to learn more about the subject. If you love a mix of history, espionage, and bookish intrigue, this one is for you.

Now that we’re in March, I have a few more books from my local library that I can’t wait to read. I devoured Wine and War, which shares the very unique perspective of winemakers during World War II and their tactics to resists occupation. I hope to get through Hemingway’s Widow and The Last Twelve Miles this month, but will let you know in this month’s round up. Happy reading!

Love from Connecticut,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England. 

What I Read in January 2025
📍 Southport, Connecticut

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Another year, another opportunity to enjoy as many books as I can. How many books will I read this year? It’s kind of hard to tell, and I’m not sure if I want to put a firm number down as a goal. After all, I always start off strong and tend to lose steam during the summertime when I’m at my busiest. So far, I’ve read 6 books some fiction, some non-fiction that highlight the stories of amazing women that are both real and imaginary. To help you achieve your own reading goals this year, here’s what I read in January.

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue

This book is an absolute treat for anyone who loves fashion history. When Women Ran Fifth Avenue dives into the golden age of department stores, spotlighting the powerful women who shaped luxury retail at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, and Lord & Taylor. Their influence stretched far beyond window displays and designer collections—they dictated style and shaped American fashion in ways that still resonate today. If you’ve ever romanticized the elegance of mid-century shopping or admired the ingenuity behind the industry’s biggest names, you’ll devour this book.

The Divine Miss Marble

A fascinating and deeply researched biography, The Divine Miss Marble introduces readers to Alice Marble, a trailblazing tennis star whose life was anything but ordinary. From Grand Slam victories to alleged espionage during World War II, Marble’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and mystery. The book captures her glamour and complexity, leaving you wondering how such a captivating figure isn’t more widely known. It’s a must-read for sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who loves a story about an unconventional woman ahead of her time.

Deluxe

A deep dive into the world of luxury fashion, Deluxe pulls back the curtain on what really goes into the making—and marketing—of high-end goods. Dana Thomas does an incredible job tracing how legacy brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci evolved from artisanal craftsmanship to billion-dollar global empires. Eye-opening and impeccably researched, this book is equal parts celebration and critique of modern luxury. If you’re fascinated by fashion and its cultural impact, is an insightful and compelling read.

The Stolen Queen

A historical novel set in one of my favorite places in the world—the Met Museum—The Stolen Queen transports readers to 1970s New York in the lead-up to the year’s Met Gala. Blending the elegance of the city’s art world with echoes of 1930s Egypt, the novel intertwines past and present, making for an immersive and atmospheric read. Talks about the museum’s Egyptian Collection have inspired me to explore it more carefully, as the book breathes life into some of the artifacts and how they were acquired by the MET in the first place.

Where Madness Lies

This moving biography of legendary actress Vivien Leigh goes beyond her glamorous on-screen persona to reveal the struggles she faced in her personal life. Leigh’s career and marriage to Laurence Olivier were often overshadowed by her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder, and this book sensitively explores her highs and lows with great depth. A heartbreaking yet illuminating portrait of an extraordinary woman, Where Madness Lies is a must-read for classic film lovers and those interested in mental health history.

The Other Windsor Girl

For fans of The Crown, this novel offers an intimate look at the life of Princess Margaret through the eyes of a fictional outsider. It perfectly captures the allure, wit, and rebellion of the Queen’s glamorous younger sister, making her both fascinating and deeply human. With its mix of royal intrigue, high society, and old Hollywood cameos, The Other Windsor Girl reads like a delicious period drama—equal parts fun and insightful.

Now that it’s February, I have a few more books from my local library that I can’t wait to read. I’m currently working on both Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret and By Her Own Design. They’re books about two very different women, but are equally compelling. I can’t wait to tell you more about it in next month’s round up. Keep me on track, and I’ll share all the great books in next month’s review. Happy reading!

Love from Connecticut,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England. 

What I Read in June
📍 Norwalk, CT

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I made a goal of reading 24 books in 2024 (AKA 2 books per month). Although having a reading goal has become an annual tradition, I always lose steam in the summertime. Happily, I’ve already reached my original goal and decided to push it to reach 50. It’s becoming a bit of a challenge as a busy season is pulling me in every direction. To help you achieve your own reading goals this year, here’s what I read in June.

Bright Young Women

This book should be required reading for any true crime fan. Bright Young Women tells a fictionalized aftermath of Teddy Bundy’s attacks at Florida State University in 1978. While the story focuses largely on Chi Omega’s president, Pamela, it also flashes back to include other women impacted by Bundy. It was a very powerful book and may be one of my favorite reads of the entire year. I highly recommend! 

Wives Like Us

Wives Like Us welcomes you to the pristine destination of the Cotswolds. This collection of villages, under two hours away from London, is home to incredibly posh and historic families. With Executive Butler, Ian Palmer, as our main protagonist, we learn that the grass isn’t always greener beyond the pristine hedges. This was such a fun read to really kick off the summer season.

All the Beauty in the World

I often share my deep love for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, AKA the Met. I’ve even gone to call it my happy place. All the Beauty in the World was a relatively quick read for me, only 239 pages, but was nonetheless poignant. Author Patrick Brinkley took a security guard position at the MET upon the death of his brother. Through the halls of the museum, he tackles his own grief with the help of art from around the world. As a frequent visitor to the MET, I have a deeper respect for the men and women who work there. 

Summer Darlings

A fun summer read meets Martha’s Vineyard in 1964. I’ve been a fan of Brooke Lea Foster’s historical fiction since I read On Gin Lane last year. Summer Darlings is her first novel, and such a wild ride. You’ll love the main character, Heddy, as she navigates high society as the island’s newest nanny. Like Foster’s other novels, Summer Darlings has so many unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the final page!

Bringing Up Bébé

Consider me yet another new mom who read Bringing Up Bébé and loved it. I had some anxieties ahead of getting pregnant about parenthood and how life would change. I love our little one more than words can say, and reading this book has helped me create a balanced lifestyle. Inside, I’ve highlighted the French’s strategy on sleeping through the night, introducing new foods, and other little tidbits. While I won’t make this book my entire parenting philosophy, I really recommend it for any parents-to-be.

Chanel’s Riviera

I originally grabbed this book based on the cover, hoping to learn about the life of famed designer Coco Chanel. While her life story is sprinkled throughout the book, Chanel’s Riviera also focuses on the changing times of the Cote d’Azur in the 1930s and 1940s. France’s southern coast was a meeting place for some of the most notorious names, including the Duke of Windsor, Picasso, and Hemingway. This book dives into Chanel’s relationships with those people, and other lesser known aspects of her life. 

Now that it’s July, I have a few more books from my local library that I can’t wait to read. I’m just a few pages into Dogland , and I’m already hooked. I can’t wait to tell you more about it in next month’s round up. Keep me on track, and I’ll share all the great books in next month’s review. Until then, happy reading!

Love from Connecticut,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England.