August 2025 Wrap Up – Holidays Adventures and Books I Read

August 2025 went by in a blur! With holidays filling most weekends, we were either celebrating with family or on day trips having fun. Honestly, I thought my reading would take a hit—but surprise, I managed to read just as much as last month! Check out my Holidays Adventures and Books I read in August 2025 Wrap Up.

August 2025 Life Highlight

The biggest highlight- My kid’s participation in drama for the MLV (Making Learning Visible) program in her school in which kids show what they learned though performance and presentation. The theme was jungle animals, and she was the narrator. She only had two lines, but she nailed them!

There was this moment when another kid wouldn’t stop saying his lines during her turn—I thought she’d lose it and go full tantrum and action mode—but nope. She stood her ground and said, loud and clear: “This isn’t fair, it’s my turn.” She didn’t let it ruin her mood, enjoyed the entire play, cheered for others, and even helped kids who forgot their lines. It was a proud mom moment!

We also survived our leg-breaking Pavagadh trip (link HERE if you missed the post). I tried a new weekly wrap-up format this month and loved it. Our planned end-of-month trip didn’t happen because my brother and his wife fell sick, but with my in-laws visiting, we still had fun with an aquarium visit and a bunch of social events.

So yeah, half the month didn’t go as planned, but it still turned out productive and wholesome.

August 2025 Reading Stats

Books I Read in August 2025

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood – ★★★★
Different from her other books but enjoyable! The physical relationship came first, but there’s also a slow-burn emotional connection. Loved the corporate drama and food anxiety layer. Not my top Hazelwood favorite, but still good.

An Enchanting Case of Spirits (The Gin & Tarot Club Series #1) by Melissa Holtz – ★★★★
Paranormal mystery with a protagonist discovering psychic abilities and helping ghosts solve murders. Slow start, but once the ghosts show up, I was hooked! Loved the focus on friendship and mystery over romance.

A Charming Touch of Tarot (The Gin & Tarot Club Series #2) by Melissa Holtz – ★★★★
Darker, higher stakes, and introduces a new ability (reading thoughts by touch!). More danger, more drama, and more ghosts!

What Could It Be? – ★★★★★
Children’s fiction about facing fears and treating all creatures with compassion. Perfect for kids who are curious, brave, or bug-squashers in training.

The Great Indian Safari – ★★★★★
A nonfiction book that takes kids on a journey through India’s wildlife sanctuaries, introducing them to the animals each sanctuary is known for. A fun, engaging, and educational read!

Catching Fire & Mockingjay (Hunger Games Series #2 & #3) – ★★★★
Reread both, and wow—I forgot so many details! Loved rediscovering the political complexity and tension. Still, Katniss frustrated me this time with her indecision between Peeta and Gale.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror (Crowns of Nyaxia #2.5) – ★★★★.5
BEST read of the month! Forbidden romance, captive-captor trope, action-packed plot, atmospheric world-building. The villain twist was predictable but fun. Only flaw: rushed ending—I wanted more drama!

Sheine Lende – ★★★★
Slow-paced, heavy on monologues, but unique. Loved the cultural focus on Lipan Apache life and history.

Blog in August 2025

Didn’t blog hop as much as planned—September will be better!

September 2025 Plan

5–6 books, including Happy Place, Jane Eyre, and continuing Crowns of Nyaxia. Plus, maybe a couple of horror e-ARCs. Oh, and a mid-month trip is finally happening!

How was your August 2025?
Have you read any of these or plan to?
What are you reading in September?

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