Just like that, the first month of 2026 is done. Did anyone else blink and swear we were still stuck in that weird Christmas–New Year limbo?

I hope you all had a bloody lovely festive season. For those who were following along in December: on our family road trip to Auckland, my husband and I started Dungeon Crawler Carl and holy shit, we were obsessed. Like, genuinely excited to get back in the car just so we could keep listening.

Yes, I did still fall asleep (mouth wide open). In my defence: it was 4am, I was warm, cosy, and moving. This girl is only so strong.

If you haven’t started it yet, why? It’s funny, chaotic, and honestly fucking gold. Former gamer Anastasia was thriving. AND the author (Matt Dinniman) is coming to Auckland in March, so if you don’t have tickets yet… stop faffing and grab them.

We then spent a full week with family in Auckland doing all the kid-friendly chaos, including the Shark Exhibition at Auckland Museum, which my shark-obsessed two-year-old lost his tiny mind over. 10/10, would recommend. I also loved it, because sharks are cool and I will not be taking questions.

Once we got home, it was straight back into packing your orders. Somewhere between that, housework, and one very unnecessary outdoor chore, I decided I needed… a bird feeder.

After a particularly stressful day, Mr George and I wandered through Mitre 10 (as old people do in their spare time), and I made a snap executive decision. As I ummed and ahhed over tube feeders versus hopper feeders versus suet balls, a very sweet older man stepped up and told me to “just go for it". Before I knew it, I was walking out with 20kg of wild bird feed and a small tube feeder, convinced this would somehow improve my life.

I then spilled bird seed all over my kitchen floor as I attempted to assemble the feeder, got mad at the feeder, and called my husband over because “WHO DESIGNED THIS TO NOT FIT?”... it was indeed upside down.

Like all good wives, I then instructed my builder husband exactly how it should be hung, because obviously my five minutes of bird-feeder Googling outranked his 20+ years of holding hammers.

Plot twist: no hammer was required. The feeder is hooked through a branch for maximum Wellington-wind survival and tree safety.

And honestly? Worth it. I bloody love sitting outside with a drink watching 20+ birds descend into absolute chaos over snacks. They eat so much, however, I’m only refilling it once a week… for now. I’ve already been deep in bird-feeder internet and have plans for nectar feeders next. Tūī, I’m ready for you.

So yes. Midlife crisis confirmed. Her name is Anastasia and she comes in bird form. If I join a bird-watching group before I’m 70, please strangle me in my sleep with my binoculars.

You can also bet your ass that once the feeder was up, I added it to the house chore list purely for the satisfaction of crossing it off.

And yes, I did actually read some books too. I finally visited Mounts Bay by J Bree and HOW did I wait this long?! I started with Butcher of the Bay and the chokehold that duet had me in… phew. Completely wrecked me (in the best way).

Here’s to being one month into what’s shaping up to be an epic year! We’ve got a lot of exciting things brewing at The Grimoire, and we can’t wait to have all of you along for the ride.

Behind the Pages | Bookish Updates

A Romantic Adventure – March 13-14: NZ’s biggest romance book signing, and The Grimoire is the official bookseller. Pre-order your books on Beventi to grab them at the event — closes this weekend!

Steffanie Holmes' Wellington Book Launch – Feb 7: Come hang out, grab a signed copy, and celebrate with us. The night is stacked and will be epic! Tickets are on sale now. Read on for the event deets.

Shadow Heart / Blood Oath: Pre-orders close 31st January — get in before you miss out.

Valentine’s Day is coming… in the form of cocks. Yep, we’ve stocked up on Cockmarks, just in time for Valentine’s and all the sauces.

Waitangi Weekend: Something special is happening on Waitangi weekend. We are pumped AF — keep a close eye on our socials!

Best Feb Editions: Here are my picks below for the best editions coming this February. You’re welcome.

Special Edition Hardbacks

⚫ Savage Lands, Special Re-Issue Edition — Stacey Marie Brown
⚫ Metal Slinger, US Deluxe Edition — Rachel Schneider
⚫ The Night Prince, US Deluxe Edition — Lauren Palphreyman
⚫ Lights Out, ANZ Special Edition — Navessa Allen

Sprayed Edge Paperbacks:

⚫ King, Deluxe First Print Run Edition — S.J. Tilly
⚫ Joey, Limited First Edition — Sadie Kincaid
⚫ Songbird of the Sorrows, Sprayed Back Paperback — Braidee Otto

One week to go until Steffanie Holmes, USA TODAY bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and wickedly funny supernatural mysteries, brings her darkly witty charm to Wellington. She’ll be launching her latest book, Fangs From Nothing, hosted by The Grimoire!

The latest in the Nevermore Murder Club & Smutty Book Coven series, this book is full of clever twists, broody vampires, meddling book clubs, and magical mysteries that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Pole Electric, Cuba Street, Saturday 28 January, 6–8 PM, including:

• Live reading by Steffanie Holmes

• Audience Q&A (submit questions in advance to hello@thegrimoire.co.nz)

• Incredible pole performances

• Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and nibbles included in the ticket price

• Photo ops and time to chat with Steff

• Opportunity to purchase signed trade paperbacks of Fangs From Nothing and A Grave Mistake

It’s your last week to get tickets. Don’t miss a night of spooky, funny, and utterly unforgettable bookish fun! We can't wait to have you there! 

Tickets are $15 and on sale here.