May Reading Round-Up

Some romance, witches, and sage advice to get me through the month of May.

Well, I managed to read eight books last month, thanks to a few quick reads and a little more dedicated reading time. May brought a mix of romance, an award-winning novel that completely surprised me, and more nonfiction than I usually reach for. It was a well-balanced month of reading, and I’m excited to share the books I was able to cross off my ever-growing TBR.

Seven Kinds of PeopleYou Find in Bookshops by Shaun Bythell

In this witty and often delightfully grumpy book, bookseller Shaun Bythell categorizes the many types of customers who wander through his bookstore in Wigtown, Scotland. From browsers who have no idea what they’re looking for to self-proclaimed experts and chatty tourists, he offers sharp observations on the quirks of bookshop culture. Equal parts memoir and people-watching guide, it’s a humorous read for anyone who loves bookstores and the characters who inhabit them.

This is a perfect book for trains (shameless plug). It’s a quick, one-sitting read that will make you smile as you remember the fact that you have, indeed, seen many of these types of people in bookstores. The author (bookshop owner) is quite sarcastic at times and it will leave you questioning if you’ve ever participated in any sort of bad behavior while browsing books.

The Matcha Maker Café by Lily Chen

Set in a cozy small-town matcha café, this slow-burn romance follows Sasha Lee, a successful matchmaker who helps others find love but avoids commitment herself. When Ben, a self-described “unmatchable” customer, walks into her café, Sasha takes on the challenge of finding him a match. As the two spend more time together, their friendship grows into something deeper, forcing Sasha to decide whether she’s finally ready to take a chance on love herself.

This is your typical cliché (in a good way) romance fiction read. It’s light, easily digestible, and quick to get through. If you liked the Dream Harbor series, you will like this one as it has that same, small-town, each business owner could have their own story type of vibe. It will make for a great summer read!

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

Set in the Dutch countryside in 1961, The Safekeep follows Isabel, a reserved woman whose orderly life is disrupted when her brother’s girlfriend, Eva, comes to stay for the summer. As tensions grow between the two women, Isabel becomes increasingly suspicious of her guest, especially when items begin disappearing from the house. What starts as resentment slowly evolves into obsession, uncovering long-buried secrets about the home, the legacy of World War II, and Isabel’s own desires.

I was very eager to read this one and wondered whether, given that it won the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction, I’d like it more than Nesting, which was shortlisted for the award. This was such an interesting reading experience for me. The first three-quarters of the book felt like an intriguing coming-of-age story exploring themes of autism and sexual identity. It was beautifully written, and I could see why it received so much acclaim. However, I didn’t find it totally gripping.

Then the final quarter happened, and it completely blew me away. I won’t spoil it because I want you to experience it the same way I did, but what began as literary fiction transformed into a powerful piece of historical fiction that shines a light on something that isn’t often discussed. I still think I loved Nesting a little more, but this is a beautiful book and ultimately my favorite read of the month.

Annie Knows Everything by Rachel Wood

When Annie loses her job and discovers her sister is engaged to someone she can’t stand, she decides to take control of the situation. Determined to prove herself in a new role at work, she finds herself clashing with, and falling for, her frustratingly attractive boss, Connor. As both her career and personal life become increasingly complicated, Annie begins to realize that maybe she doesn’t have all the answers after all.

I was so nervous going into this book as I somewhat know the author who is the owner of one of my favorite bookstores, Rare Birds, in Edinburgh. It was her debut novel and I really, really wanted…no…needed it to be good. How do you review a book by someone you’re rooting for if it’s not very good? Luckily for me, it was fantastic. I found it fresh and totally lovable. All the leads and side characters were so charming and easy to cheer on. It was also an original concept for a romance read that I haven’t encountered before. So with great relief, I can highly recommend this book!

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama

In this follow-up to Becoming, Michelle Obama reflects on the challenges of navigating an uncertain world and shares the tools that have helped her stay grounded throughout her life. Blending personal stories with practical advice, she explores topics such as resilience, self-confidence, relationships, and community. The result is an encouraging and thoughtful guide to finding strength, hope, and purpose during difficult times.

Although I haven’t read Becoming yet, when I saw this in the used bookstore, I snatched it up so quickly because I have been eager to read both. It was such an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed the writing style and learning more about her personal history. Most importantly, it was full of really great advice and tidbits of wisdom.

Ashes and Stones: A Journey Through Scotland in Search of Witches and Witness by Allyson Shaw

In Ashes and Stones, Allyson Shaw travels across Scotland exploring the landscapes, memorials, and stories connected to the thousands of women accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century. Blending travel writing, history, folklore, and personal reflection, she uncovers the lives of those who were persecuted and examines how their stories continue to resonate today. The result is a thoughtful and atmospheric journey through Scotland that serves as both a memorial and a reclamation of women’s history.

Unfortunately, this was probably my least favorite read for the month of May. I was very excited to dig into it, ready to learn more about the history of witches and persecution in Scotland as it’s such an important part of the country’s past and history and how that plays into continued misogyny and treatment of women. However, I just found the book to be a little bit disjointed and unfulfilling. There was a little bit of witchy history, a little bit of memoir storytelling, and a touching of its relation to the modern day experiences of women. It just wasn’t enough for me. I wanted it to go so much deeper than it did. I would say, with a smidge of regret, that you could probably pass this one up.

Nothing Good Happens After 2AM by Niamh Hargan

Nothing Good Happens After 2 A.M. follows Robbie Saunders and El Tippett, two ambitious bartenders whose friendship, rivalry, and undeniable connection unfold against the backdrop of London’s vibrant cocktail scene. As their careers take them from East London to cities around the world, they find themselves repeatedly drawn back into each other’s lives despite professional setbacks and personal mistakes. Part romance, part story of ambition and creativity, it’s a globe-spanning tale about chasing dreams, finding your place, and the relationships that refuse to fade.

This is a really fun and unique romance read. I absolutely loved the cool, cocktail bar backdrop as I’ve always believed good bartending and drink making are a true art form. The different settings and bars were such a main character energy that brought a cool vibe to the read. It was also different in the fact that I think I liked the leads better as friends than romantic partners, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

When Anna is unexpectedly sent from Atlanta to boarding school in Paris, she’s determined to make the best of a situation she never wanted. As she settles into life abroad, she forms a close friendship with the charming Étienne St. Clair, and the line between friendship and something more begins to blur. Set against the backdrop of Paris, it’s a sweet coming-of-age story about first love, friendship, and growing up.

This was the perfect end of May/start of summer season kick-off read. It’s a very digestible, quick romance read. It had a lot of elements that I really enjoy: academic/school setting, European backdrop, main characters that are easy to root for. The romance was sweet, vulnerable, and rooted in deep care for each other. It has all the ingredients for a perfect summer beach/pool read- so add it to your list!

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Have you read any of these titles? Do any pique your interest? Would love to hear your thoughts and about any books you’ve read recently that you think we’d all be interested in. Drop your comments below!