Staff picks: volume 2
As the deep chill of winter begins to soften into March, there's no better place to be than curled up with a great book. Whether you're waiting for those final few snowfalls to melt or you're just craving a fresh escape to carry you into spring, we’ve hand-picked a new stack of stories we absolutely love.
From cozy magical cat shelters to high-stakes space operas, our team has curated these shelves with intention. Just look for the pink heart online and at the cottage (with removable stickers to keep those covers pristine, of course!) to find a guaranteed good read chosen by our expert booksellers.
Here’s what our staff is obsessing over this March.
Olivia's picks
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Inspired by Norse mythology, A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is a sweeping tale of destiny, divine power, and slow-burning romance. I enjoyed being swept away by fierce characters, political intrigue, and crackling chemistry. It's a completed duology, so make sure to pick up A Curse Carved in Bone.
Astral Library by Kate Quinn
This isn't just a fantasy about libraries - it's a call to action! In Astral Library by Kate Quinn you'll discover a hidden library that lets you live in any book you want - from the regency worlds of Jane Austen to the spooky work of Bram Stoker. But the Library is under attack from an unknown force. Can our main character Alix save it, or will the library be lost forever?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. The only problem? He just woke up from a coma and can't remember his own name, let alone how to save the world. Armed with nothing but his scientific knowledge and an incredibly endearing, unexpected alien friend, Ryland must solve an impossible mystery. This sci-fi adventure is packed with humor, heart, and mind-bending science. Can Ryland figure it out in time, or is Earth doomed?
Chris's picks
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
A lush, fiercely intelligent space opera packed with deadly palace intrigue and a gorgeous sapphic dynamic. Ambassador Mahit Dzmare arrives at the heart of an all-consuming, poetry-obsessed empire only to realize her predecessor was murdered—and she's likely next. Armed with a malfunctioning memory-implant and an unexpectedly loyal cultural liaison, Mahit must navigate a seductive alien court to save her fiercely independent home station. Smart, gripping, and culturally rich—an absolute masterclass in sci-fi worldbuilding.
King Sorrow by Joe Hill
Dark academia meets epic horror in this sprawling, Faustian masterpiece. When a college student is blackmailed by local criminals, his deeply loyal friends do the only logical thing: use a book bound in human skin to summon a demonic dragon. King Sorrow solves their immediate problem, but demands a terrifying yearly human sacrifice in return. Spanning decades, this massive, character-driven epic is terrifying, intimate, and packed with perfect, creeping dread.
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
Unhinged but deeply endearing, this absurdist modern saga is for anyone who loves their family drama with a side of deadpan humour. The Flynns are completely spiralling—think a disastrous open marriage and a teenager dating a guy nicknamed "War Crime Wes"—until the youngest daughter accidentally drags them all into a billionaire's criminal conspiracy. It's chaotic, messy, incredibly funny, and surprisingly tender. Proof that the black sheep always have the best stories!
Caleigh's picks
Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
The coziest escape for the tail end of winter. Set in magical 1920s Old Montreal, this charming fantasy follows Agnes, a type-A cat rescue manager, whose new landlord happens to be a grumpy (and suspiciously handsome) failed Dark Lord running a questionable magic shop. Low-stakes but utterly delightful, it's full of rescued cats, gentle magic, and slow-burn charm. The perfect book to read while waiting for the snow to melt.
The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
I've officially promoted Mordaunt to book boyfriend status. The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy gives Dramione fan-fic energy in the best way — cozy, sassy, and full of sharp British banter. Enemies-to-lovers, assassin x healer, forced proximity, and delicious slow-burn tension. Funny, sexy, and full of yearning — I was obsessed.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
I am completely obsessed with The Will of the Many—I genuinely will not shut up about it. It’s gladiatorial, a little Hunger Games-y, and packed with the perfect amount of treachery to keep you flying through chapters. The academy politics, secrets, and twists are chef’s kiss for anyone who loves smart, high-stakes fantasy. Pro tip: grab The Strength of the Few too... because you’re going to need it.