2023 Gift Guide – Fictional Adult Books That Just CHARM!
Each book has its own link and each book is a damn delight! Happy reading! Share a charmer with below in the comments! XO
Backpacks ready!
Another round of darling school-related books, included one middle grade book and one early reader chapter book! Although, I believe we’re never too old for a picture book! Let’s start the fun! Princess Arabella Goes to School Twig I Got the School Spirit It’s Not a School Bus, It’s a Pirate Ship Third Grade Angels …
The Night Swim
Megan Goldin’s The Night Swim is part true-crime, part-thriller and hands-down an INCREDIBLE book! True-crime isn’t my normal cup of tea. I prefer to get the slightly watered down version in my weekly People magazine (tucked between fluff pieces and the do-good stories). But you better believe that I’ll be reading more of this author’s …
Blackout
This summer’s most-anticipated young adult novel is Blackout by SIX incredible authors (Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone [her books are insanely good], Angie Thomas [again, insanely good], Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon). What magic can happen when New York experiences a city-wide blackout? Read this book! One of the many reasons I love …
Hey, Dolly, Tease It To Jesus and Spray It Like Hell
Who doesn’t love a little Dolly? Too smiley, too flashy, too positive for ya? All the reasons I love her! I stumbled upon an audiobook of hers years ago and my interest in her life has only grown. She has not had an easy road but she is beyond grateful for all the support to …
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Happy & You Know It
Quick! Claire lives in New York and is on the struggle bus. She was asked to leave an up-and-coming band that she loved. Her rent is due. And she’ll be damned if she has to leave town to return home to live with her parents. Adulting is for the birds. She answers an ad for …
Honey Girl
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers will take you on an emotional journey of being comfortable in your skin, finding your friend-family, the difference between getting away and running away and taking a second to breathe. What I expected… Grace Porter just got her PhD in Astronomy (holy smokes!) and jets off with her pals to …
Fierce as the Wind
If you feel like you’re already fierce as the wind or you need a little inspo to feel fierce, pick up Fierce as the Wind by Tara Wilson Redd. I urge you! For realz! I love (like LU-HUV) the underdog and this book has the biggest hill to climb. I loved it! Let’s be fierce! …
School Books That You’ll Look Forward To
More school book cuteness comin’ in hot! My big 3 start in just over a month – how is that possible? I swear summer just started and we have exactly two items on our bucket list crossed off. Gahhh! Below is the second installment of darling books to get your kiddos excited for school days …
Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone…and Sunny St. James is almost there. The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake explores the heart transplant recovery process of soon-to-be 7th grader Sunny. Observer of everything, participant in nothing. Sunny declares that if she can make it through the surgery and recovery process, she …
What You Wish For
Katherine Center’s What You Wish For is GOLD! I would love if this novel was made into a movie! Women’s fiction at its best – like all of Katherine’s books! This book is about reinventing yourself, choosing joy, ride-or-die friendships, feeling disqualified and maybe some scheming. 😉 Wish Upon This Star (Book) Sam Casey is …
Big Summer Is A Beach Book Win
Need something meatier than a lightweight (albeit fun) read this summer? Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner is a beach book win! Coming-of-age, a budding romance, scorned friends, wealth and a flashy wedding sure to be seen in photos. This is a summer novel win! Cast of Characters Daphne – our main girl is a plus-size …
Cute (not corny) School Books
Not Your Average School Books What am I looking for when I’m scouring school books online? Diversity, sweet illustrations, connection to feelings (especially the ‘bigness’ of starting a new school/grade), not-the-run-of-the-mill characters (no shade on Pete the Cat or Dr. Seuss, but I’m looking for different characters) and if there’s humor, extra awesome. A tall …
Trans-formation for Son and Mother
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel was nothing like I expected and I am so glad I listened to it! Full transparency here: I’ve had this book for a while. The font is so dang small that I just couldn’t (wouldn’t) pick it up after I finished the first chapter. It feels …
In Pursuit of Being Anti-Racist
In pursuit of being anti-racist, I knew I had to read Dear Church by Lenny Duncan after it was recommended by a longtime friend (and pastor IRL). (Like, we went to elementary school together – that kind of longtime, been through a ton together kind of friend.) I saw the cover and knew I had …
Your New Favorite Stretch Marks
You read that right. Your new favorite stretch marks are from author Amber Trueblood. This mama helps her community with tactics to get it done, get rid of the ‘shoulds’ and live authentically. Sound like a tall order? It is. But as someone who has read a zillion books about productivity and most definitely a …
Interracial Love in the 60s
John and Mary Margaret by Susan Cushman has it ALL. For real! Love, life in the deep south, race wars in the 60s, college life. This is such a gem and I promise you’ll fly through this book just as quickly as I did! Another quick-n-easy book review because…real life over here. 😜 Mary Margaret …
And We All Fall Down
Every now and then, we all fall down. In Lindsay Harrel’s novel The Joy of Falling we see two women struggle in their own ways to climb back up after a life-altering tragedy. How I came upon this author, I have zero clue. But this was a fun, fast read that hits you right in …
Surprise, You Have a Match
Surprise, you have a match! Emma Lord’s latest book, You Have a Match, walks along with Abby as she discovers new – and very shocking – news about her family after taking a DNA test. This book was on my radar because of the topic of adoption and I knew I would find it fascinating …
You are not an adjective
You are not an adjective. Lisa Fipps’ Starfish is BRILLIANT! I finished this in one sitting (!) and my eyes were bugging out of my damn head. It’s truthful and hits home and is an important read for every parent and all kids (not just girls). You are not an adjective. You are not fat. …
Fake Engagement, Diversity and Carbs
Love a fake engagement love story? Love carbs? Love a fierce protagonist? Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron has all of these elements in her newest book (March 2021) and the cherry on top? Diversity! I love a book that features a different culture, different food, different family dynamics than my own. The whipped cream on …
Tiny Imperfections is a Perfect 10
Look no further for a perfect ten book! Alli Frank and Asha Youmans teamed up to pen Tiny Imperfections and it is a freaking JOY! Private school admissions, raising a teenager, dipping back into dating waters. This is a smart, witty, sassy protagonist and I am a forever fan girl of this author duo now! …
Get Yourself Stamped Today
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi is explosive! Get Stamped today! I mean TODAY. As in, dial up Amazon or your library and get this book in your paws! I can whole-heartedly say that this is a 5-star book and will be one of my favorites of the year! …
Beach Read Shipped to Your Door
Get your first 2021 beach read Shipped to your door! See what I did there? 😉 Shipped by Angie Hockman is the perfect amount of sizzle, work drama and independent girl boss to keep you crushing chapters well beyond when you wanted to hit the hay! My kind of book. Let’s dive in! The Passengers …
The Newcomer Stirs Up Old Trouble
Mary Kay Andrews’ newest release came out yesterday and I got to read an advance copy of The Newcomer. If you like mystery without a CSI feel and like a romance story with characters who’ve been around the block before, this is your new beach read! Let’s go! The Characters Letty: dependable, steady job but …
Of Beetles and Angels
Of Beetles and Angels by Mawi Asgedom most DEFINITELY lands on my favorite books of 2021. The bar has been raised with this book and I haven’t stopped thinking about this story since I finished. Prepare to be humbled by this refugee story. Prepare for your heart to hurt with the constant uphill journey for …
My So-Called Bollywood Life
I came across author Nisha Sharma’s instagram and knew I’d like her writing instantly. She is incredibly funny on her stories. Like, I-want-to-be-her-buddy kind of funny. I saw a recco for My So-Called Bollywood Life and knew it would be a fun read! Read below, but also make sure to put this on your library …
Neuordiversity, chronic pain and steam for days
Chloe Liese writes a seriously whip smart book about neurodiversity, chronic pain and steam for days in Always Only You. This romcom novel is book two in the Bergman Brothers series, but can be read as a stand-alone. If you saw how frequently I tagged the pages in Always Only You, you would laugh and …
Not All Lies Are Created Equal
Not all lies are created equal and Lisa Scottoline’s One Perfect Lie is here to prove it! This suspense novel isn’t super new (2017) but I knew it would be good because my MIL passed it along, and she finds incredible books. I listened to the audiobook version for half and finished the last half …
Something to Say Makes You Listen
Tiny Dancer and I hit another homerun with Something to Say by Lisa Moore Ramee! Something to Say makes you listen to the nuances of growing up, staying in your comfort zone and living with anxiety. We both loved this book! Meet Janae Janae is a too-sweet-for-words middle schooler. She follows her mother’s rules, she’s …
A True Olympic Underdog
I will never tire of an underdog story. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel Brown is a true Olympic underdog story that reads like a novel, but is shockingly nonfiction. I was searching for a story that would inspire and this blew me out of the water! We Know How It Ends Okay, okay, …
Black Buck is Uncomfortable and Relevant
You read that right. Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour is uncomfortable and relevant and I LOVED this book! I’ve been noodling on this book for about two weeks. There is so. much. to discuss and I’m no pro, so let’s just dive in! Quite the Catch! How did I come upon this book even before …
The Difference Between Hard and Impossible
Another incredible recommendation from my 5th grader! 💛 All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey is a beautiful book about the foster care system and identifying the push-pull of what your heart and head needs. And discovering for yourself the difference between hard and impossible things. Quite a line-up for a middle grade book, right?! …
Black Brother, Black Brother
Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes has been on my radar for a lonnnnng time. I am so beyond thrilled I read it and I’m STILL thinking about this book weeks after I finished it. Don’t dismiss this young adult book as a lightweight. It may look small in page count, but it. …
The Truth Will Destroy You
I have read everything written by B.A. Paris and my heart raced when I saw her latest book, The Dilemma, was out! Consider this a family drama/domestic suspense novel that will have you staying up late at night (to read, not because you’re freaked out.). The Dilemma‘s premise is simply about truth. Two secrets held …
Before and After the Tennessee Children’s Home Society
If adoption is a soft spot for you or not, Before and After by Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate is an incredible non-fiction story I wildly urge you to read. Like, wildly! If you’re not familiar with the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, take a quick spin to read up on it. Shocking, yes, but I’m …
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The Year of Yes
If you are a Shondaland devotee or not, a mother or not, a spouse or not, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes is FOR YOU! Because I can put serious money on the guess that you put other people’s needs ahead of yours, other’s people’s time ahead of yours, you put your dreams on the …
Your First Young Adult Unicorn of 2021
11 Paper Hearts by Kelsey Hartwell is the young adult unicorn you need in your life right now! Part mystery, part self-discovery and part romance, 11 Paper Hearts is the perfect book before bed (not too much drama) or throw in your bag when you’re waiting for kids’ activity pickups (a novel that you can …
This Gem Is Not Like The Movies
The cover of Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey jumped at me (buy me! buy me! buy me!) and I’m hating myself for waiting weeks to open this delightful romcom. Take a spin to Columbus, Ohio, where Chloe is doing her very best to ‘handle it’ while tiptoeing around her feelings for her boss, …
Is Luck Predestined or In Your Hands?
Where do you fall: is luck predetermined or in your own hands? Sophie Cousens explores this concept in meaty romcom This Time Next Year. Think of this books as a cross between Sliding Doors and Sleepless in Seattle set in England. This was a fun book that reads fast and is perfect if you’re in …
Catherine’s War Shares a New Perspective
I have heard SO many wonderful things about Catherine’s War by Julia Billet and Claire Fauvel. So. Many. I finally got my mitts on this graphic novel and I can’t stop thinking about it. This middle grade book shares a new perspective on Jewish children from France in exile during the Nazi regime. I have …
Bend and Snap Your Way to a Football RomCom
Tell me you know what movie I’m referencing. Dear heavens, tell me you know this. Like a heat-seeking missile, I needed a football-ish book in anticipation of Superbowl Sunday! Alexa Martin’s Snapped was the perfect recipe of fun, saltiness, romance and legit current social issues. How anyone could stir together taking a knee AND romance …
Manipulation is the Name of the Game in The Wife Upstairs
After reading The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, I was in the mood for another mystery/thriller. I forgot how much I love a mind-screw kinda book. Tell me I’m not alone in this. Keep the lights on for The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. This is the kind of book that will have you wondering who …
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The Mystery of Mrs. Christie is an Enchanting Puzzle
January 29 is National Puzzle Day (who knew?!) and when I spotted that on my calendar, I searched for a great puzzle book. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict is such an enchanting puzzle to solve. If you like historical fiction, if you like a slow build-up, if you like digging in to …
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Make A Plan to Read The Dating Plan
I have the four kiddos home today because Blue had some body aches yesterday and a stomachache today. I play by the rules and all 3 school-aged kiddos are home. Enter another covid test and I’m trying to get this post out before Hope wakes up from her nap. 🏃🏻♀️ Set Me Up Liam Murphy …
How Not To Be A MOFO
Is it too early to declare I have found one of my favorite books of 2021? Cuz I’m throwing it out there. Move On Motherf*cker by Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt is the non-fiction, self-care book of your dreams. Legit advice from a clinical practitioner, step-by-step questions to help you work through your crazy as a bag-o-cats baggage …
A Mighty Middle Grade Novel
I’m telling you, these middle grade books I’ve been reading are NUUUUU-THING like what I remember reading as a kid. My latest gem is The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis (what a name, right?!) and as always, I wouldn’t be writing about it if I didn’t absolutely love it. And I mean, love. …
The Talk Is Gospel
Seem like an agressively bold post title? Perhaps. But I promise you that this book is just the thing I needed to read. And I hope you need it too. The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson will make you think harder than is comfortable in …
No Offense is Perfectly Charming
Meg Cabot’s No Offense is a quick vacation from cold Midwestern temps to Key West…without the mask and the TSA peeps giving you the hairy eyeball. Pick this gem up and transport yourself for a few days. You’ll thank me. I cannot tell you the last Meg Cabot book I read. I Googled her books …
My Favorite Books of 2020
It’s January 1 of a new year and I read so many damn good books in 2020. Putting together a list of my favorites was agonizing because I can make the case for a lotttttt of the books I finished. I so badly want to make a list of my favorite children’s picture books from …
Always With You
You will fall in love with the protagonist in Always With You by Layla Hagen. In fact, you’re either just like her or your bestie is just like her. This was my first Layla Hagen book and I picked a good one! You better believe I’ll be ‘adding to cart’ for her other books. (Never …
One Way or Another, This Book Will Capture Your Heart
One Way or Another by Kara McDowell will capture your heart. This young adult novel is the coming-of-age bravery I cannot get enough of, and I bet my last Andes mint that you’ll fall in love with it, too. I came upon this book in my search for holiday-themed books that weren’t the average love …
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Find Your Christmas Ever After
Keep it up, keep it up, keep that Christmas spirit up! 📣 Find your Christmas ever after with Karen Schaler’s latest, Christmas Ever After. This is such a sweet, warm holiday book and I promise it’ll start warming your heart before you can load a dishwasher. Well, well, well. What do we have here? Finding …
Crazy Stupid Bromance
If you’re looking for a book to suck you in and surprise you, Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams is your ticket! In fact, it’s a gateway drug to the rest of her Bromance series and you’ll be happy you let these dudes (and related gals) into your bubble. Crazy Stupid Bromance is book …
A Sparkling Cider-Sized New Year’s Mystery
This might be the year that every friend of mine has the same New Year’s Eve plans as their kiddos – zilch. 😉 I get my mental hype for holidays through books and decorating the house. Anyone else struggle with that odd slug of what to do with all that white space after you take …
Make a Clean Getaway
Clean Getaway by Nic Stone is a middle grade book that should be read by every single person you know. And you. It touches on father-son relationships, civil rights, biracial relationships (especially during the civil rights era), traveling as a black person during this period and the power of secrets. Make a clean getaway from …
Short and Sweet Holiday Love Story Times Two
What’s better than a holiday love story? How about a holiday love story that includes the ‘let’s fake that we’re together’ coup? What’s better than that, you ask? A holiday love story with a coup AND it’s on the shorter side. Triple whammy annnnnd SOLD! I recently read two books that fall in to this …
2020 Holiday Books That Will Make You Shake Your Tinsel
So, Halloween happened and before you could hide the wrappers to your kids’ contraband candy, holiday prep was in full swing. Shoot, my Super Target was taking up holiday real estate before mid-October. If you’re a purist and wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate and listen to holiday tunes or you’re like me and took …
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2020 Shop Local Gift Guide
Sure, Amazon and Target drive-up are easy peasy. And it allows me to hide my day 3 nasty hair from the public. But I like to shop local to make sure the local shops remain in our community. I selected a handful of items from local stores (where I live and where my two sisters …
You Had Me At Hockey Had Me Hooked
If you read my last post about Satchel Paige and then today’s post, one might suggest I’m a sports nut. I am not. At. All. But shoot, a sports rom com just GETS me. You Had Me at Hockey by Kelly Jamieson is the author’s second book in the Bears Hockey series and it is …
Satchel Paige, That Kind of Superstar
Wes Tooke’s King of the Mound, My Summer with Satchel Paige is likely a story you haven’t stumbled upon. But I urge you to take a look. Request this goodness from the library or ‘add to cart’ on Amazon or something. Because this is the kind of middle grade fiction that will educate you, break …
Ruby Bridges and School Desegregation Heroes
Yesterday marked an important day in our history. On November 14, 1960, a sweet little girl in Louisiana became the first African American student to enter (and enroll and learn and endure) the all-white William Frantz Elementary School during the New Orleans school segregation crisis. I saw that Ruby’s new book was going to be …
It’s Almost Time to Hibernate
Chicago hit a cold spell in October and I snuck in a nap after the kiddos’ football and soccer scrimmages. My mind went to hibernation. My fingers dialed up a LOT of library loan requests. Every night I read a few books to Motor in bed before he falls asleep and we had a big …
One Calm Christmas, Coming Up
If you know me at all, I am all about a list and being prepared. I’d like to say that’s something I’ve adopted as a mama to four, but really, I’m a Type A through and through. Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton caught my eye for obvious reasons. The simplicity …
Gobble Up These Thanksgiving Books
Thanksgiving sure gets the short end of the holiday rah-rah wishbone, right? Lots of fams look forward to and decorate for Halloween. So many fams get their houses all tricked out for the holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.). But shoot, where oh where is the hootin’ and hollering for Thanksgiving? Not a rhetorical question. I …
2020 Gift Guide for Gals
Feast your eyes on items that range in price, can all be purchased online (huzzah) and you will likely want for yourself and your gal pal/sissy/SIL and so on. Lemme know what you’re dying for this holiday season! Top to bottom, left to right: Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb – truly a delight. Feels like a …
2020 Gift Guide for Kiddos
All the Type A mamas, raise your hands. 🙋♀️ Loud and proud. If you’re anything like me and prefer to complete your shopping earlier than later, you know the thrill of these gift guides. Fun ideas for the peeps in your life for the holiday or so you can tuck that nugget away for a …
The Best Laid Plans is an Easy Win!
Cameron Lund’s The Best Laid Plans is an easy win! Do yourself a favor and cozy up with this book for a flashback in time to high school when your biggest concerns were plans for the weekend and staying up too late. Sounds glorious, right?! Keely Collins and one other pal are the only ones …
Sidelined (The Draft) Will Make Your Mama Blush
This book! Sidelined – The Draft – will make your mama blush. Which means it’s a must read in my book. Bianca Williams first book of her Sidelined trilogy starts with The Draft. The cover caught me immediately. Covers sell me. I love a sports romance. I love a gold foil. Done and done. When …
I Confess, I Didn’t See This Coming in The Confession Club
Elizabeth Berg, you sneaky fox. I confess, I didn’t see this coming in The Confession Club. If you’re read any other posts or just know me, I absolutely judge a book by its cover. I knew I’d like this book based on the cover jacket alone, and I was right. Add this to your TBR …
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Voting Books to Educate and Empower
November 3 is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate than incorporating voting books to educate and empower our little ones! Here are books that I loved for my smalls and myself. I am so interested in the Voting Rights Act and women’s suffrage and I think each topic deserves a deep dive. On …
The Key to Love Might Be Found In Story, Kansas
If you’re looking for a seasonal romance, The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant might be your key. Pun intended. 😉 Enter Bri Duvall, owner of the French-themed Pastry Puff in Story, KS. Hopeless romantic. Hopeful in love. Missing her deceased parents something awful. Carrying on her mother’s baking glory and finding incredible satisfaction …
Begin The Garden of Small Beginnings This Weekend
How Abbi Waxman crafts a tale about a widow keeping it all together with laughable moments, cringe-y moments and deep sentiment, I dunno. She is a genius, to be sure. The Garden of Small Beginnings will capture your heart in a blink. If you have a sister, this book will speak to you. If you …
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Ghost Stories that Won’t Make You Lose Precious Sleep
If you know me at all, you know I can’t do super spooky. Or horror. Or the news before bed. I’m more Casper the Friendly Ghost and Spookly the Square Pumpkin than Freddie or Jason or Children of the Corn, mmmmkay? (My Guy requested I watch Saw with him years ago and I cannot forget …
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Love Sparks with Christmas at Fireside Cabins
I’m on a holiday novel bender and I have no shame. Join me as I waive my jumping-the-season flag proudly. I came upon Christmas Fireside Cabins by Jenny Hale looking for holiday books for my smalls. The cover jumped at me and I knew I had to gobble it up. Do the same. Christmas at …
Halloween Candy and The Christmas Swap = Extra Sweet Holiday Romance
Fellow readers. If you are looking for a shorter book with witty banter and a holiday romance vibe, check out Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Swap. This novella packs a punch in less pages than your standard 300-ish page book. Don’t discount this as a lightweight, however. Grab your Ugg socks, raid your kids’ Halloween candy …
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The One and Only Bob is the One Book You Need to Prime this Week
Katherine Applegate, you dominate. At writing. At capturing my heart. The One and Only Bob follows The One and Only Ivan and lemme tell ya, it’s a gem! This is the one book you need to Prime this week. The only one. You’ll find yourself starting it with the intention of conquering a few chapters …
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Lively Books for Day of the Dead
I clearly had an amazing set of Spanish teachers throughout high school because I always, always, ALWAYS think about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) leading up to Halloween. I love the connection to family with this holiday and that this is truly a celebration. I mean, what’s not to love about honoring …
Halloween Books to Get Your Pumpkins in the Spirit
We start talking Halloween costumes here in summer. I try to hold off on decorating for fall/Halloween until Labor Day, but this year, we took liberty to get in the spirit early. 2020 has been a feisty one, mmmmmkay? Another way we get ready is to start reading Halloween books early and often. Here is …
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The Unlikelies is Likely Your Next Amazing Read
Carrie Firestone sure knows how to write! The Unlikelies is likely your next amazing read and you’re gonna want to request or order this book pronto. First, if you’re turning your nose at the genre of young adult, just no. My friend Beth introduced me to this galaxy of books and I’m so very glad …
The Underground Railroad You Need to Know
The deep dive into all things Harriet Tubman this spring led us into another book search on the Underground Railroad. I wanted to find books that I could read to three of our four to begin the education of the slavery era in a kiddo-friendly way and books that would take me beyond what I …
Use Hello Mornings to Say Goodbye to the Morning Tornado
The days are packed and seem to speed faster than we’d want even if we’ve done the lunch prep and the crockpot meal and the carpool scheduling and the…and the…and the. Two girlfriends and I wanted to read a ‘dig in’ book this summer and one of these foxes suggested Hello Mornings. I moved very …
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Must Love Dogs and Hockey and This Book
Kelly Jamieson’s new book is a total hat trick! Must Love Dogs…and Hockey is everything I like in a romance. A go-getter gal with opinions, a hottie that shows respect to life and women, witty banter, good steam and a happy ending. Did I just spoil it for you? Hope not. Based on the cover, …
Make a Plan to Read The Best Man Plan
Get yourself a beverage and carve out a few hours for this book. You’ll want to make a plan to read The Best Man Plan by Jaci Burton if you’re into fun, sassy heroines (who isn’t?). I really liked these characters and already put another book from Jaci’s Boots & Bouquets series in my TBR …
I Really Needed This Today and So Do You
Trust me on this. You really need Hoda’s words today. And everyday. Hoda Kotb’s I Really Needed This Today is a cozy – and often funny – cardigan you want to wrap yourself in and go about your day. The quotes and insight you find in this book feel equal parts girlfriend and cheerleader, and …
An Introduction to Superstar Katherine Johnson
My dive into all things Katherine Johnson began because of Motor’s interest in space. I knew I had to learn more about the bright stars who make NASA run. Katherine bubbled up to the top of my list, and I cannot get enough. Here is a small introduction to the superstar Katherine Johnson. If you …
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa is chick lit gold. I picked this up on a whim (I love a fun book cover) and whizzed through it! Grab this for a funny, multicultural, heart-filling read! Meet Carolina (Lina). Afro-Brazilian, single, owner of wedding planning company Dotting the I Do’s (so cute – I love …
Moon Picture Books That Are Just Dreamy
You’ll probably read over and over again in this little space of the web how I love illustrations in children’s books. Not just because I have the artistic skills of my 4 year old. Although I do. I have always adored picture book illustrations and it seems like kids books keep getting more beautiful. Here …
Fall Books to Get You In the Spirit
I don’t want the gore or the spider decorations. I’m talking pumpkins and ghourds and apple picking and baking and all things cozy. I’m down with a whodunit as long as it’s got the complexity of a Paw Patrol episode and not CSI New York. If you’ve come looking for a Stephen King-ish list of …
Making Friends and Help from the Buddy Bench
Maybe you’ve been the new student. Or perhaps your kiddo is involved with a new (hopefully more positive, functional) social circle. Maybe your little guy is the most introverted cutie at school. Whatever way you slice it, not feeling included or part of the action is soul-sucking. Making friends is hard. (Harder as you get …
Ballerina, Role Model, Superhero Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland is a role model, a giver of grace, and a true life superhero. Misty has been on my radar since I saw her on a commercial years and years ago. What caught my eye was her incredible strength. I want my girls to see powerful women like Misty as role models. I want …
Wink by Rob Harrell is 20/20
Wink by Rob Harrell is the book version of 20/20 vision. I loved this book! Think Wonder but with humor and some seriously fantastic illustrations! I had this book at home and started in on it but switched to the audio version on our road trip to see my sis. Since I had ears everywhere, …
The Unteachables Will Teach You About Hope and Humanity
The Unteachables by Gordan Korman gave me all the feels to start the new school year. Shoot, this would be a fantastic novel to pick up whenever. Whatever your age. Trust me. If you like stories where a band of misfits have everything stacked up against them and face a challenge together and risk failing, …
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This Julia Cook Book Is Perfect for Squirrel-y Kiddos
Julia Cook pens another winner with I Have Ants in My Pants! I adore Julia’s books and this one is another gem added to our collection. We meet sweet Louis again and he just can’t stop being so squirrel-y. He can’t help it. Readers watch as Louis struggles with everyday moments and learns some strategies …
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Picture Books That Celebrate the Beauty of Grandparents
Grandparents Day is coming up in a blink. September 8, 2020. My four kiddos are lucky to have four grandparents to love on them, spoil them, sprinkle them with little gifts, sneak them extra candy and take them on special adventures. I didn’t have that kind of relationship with my grandparents growing up, and it …
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Red at the Bone Is Heartbreaking In the Best Way
Jacqueline Woodson’s Red at the Bone is one of the most beautiful books I have read this year. And also heartbreaking. What Woodson can accomplish in less than 200 pages others would attempt (and fail) at double that. She has become one of my favorite authors and I cannot read her materials quickly enough. I …
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Trouble at Table 5 Is All Joy and No Trouble
Trouble at Table 5: The Candy Caper by Tom Watson is an absolute win! I want to hug the author for capturing what I consider real kiddos with quirks and no filters! Molly has to know things. She gets an idea in her head and cannot move on until she resolves the question or issue. …
Spaced Out! Space Books for Space Nuts and Beginners
Motor has loved all things space for as long as I can remember. Space birthday parties, space jammies, astronaut for Halloween, astronaut dress-up, space puzzles. The list goes on. My MIL finds some really fun crafts and sent this for Motor. He got to work while I read aloud to him and Hope. We have …
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Back to School Books 2020
Back to school for your crew could look waaaaay different than you had hoped, expected, dreaded (Buehler, Buehler???). Our district is one of a few in our area doing in-person learning to start the year. The kiddos haven’t batted an eyelash about wearing a mask at all (hallelujah) and we are trying to find all …
Fancy Shmancy Picture Books for Your Glam Gal or Guy
Who doesn’t love a little razzle dazzle, amirite?! We can all agree that we love picture books for teaching morals, life skills and early learning concepts. But every once in a while I come across a book that just adds sparkle into our bookshelf and it feels oh-so good! Just Add Glitter by Angela DiTerlizzi …
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The Legend Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman has always been an interest of mine. Understanding slavery, understanding the constant fear and oppression, understanding the second class citizenship black individuals felt and still feel is important. To me. For my kids to understand. We can all do better. The more we know, the better we can be. I’ve felt this way …
Life’s a (Salty) Beach! Beachy Reads to Finish Summer
Our little fam headed to the beach over the weekend and we prepped by reading alllll the beach books. Like you, our summer plans got bounced around a bit, and this beach trip felt like such a happy moment. We’re doing our best to see the positives in this situation, to be grateful for what …
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I’m Dreaming of Christmas Camp
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler grabbed my attention lickity split. My name is Kelly and I judge a book by its cover. Terrible? Yes. I’m sure I’m missing out on worlds of fantastic reads because I think the cover is for the birds. Alas, this gem caught my eye and I couldn’t wait to start …
The Crayon Man Edwin Binney
Tiny Dancer has always loved art, and specifically, art supplies. Blue gets on coloring kicks and he loves variety. Motor has always loved painting, clay, coloring sheets and I have an exploding art cabinet to prove it. (Hope is too little for art right now, but she sure loves emptying our hundreds of markers and …
Tears Aren’t Just For Girls: Big Boys Cry, Jonty Howley and Tough Guys Have Feelings Too, Keith Negley
School is starting soon – in whatever fashion that might look. That comes with big feelings even for the been-there-done-that-artwork-last-year students. The game didn’t go remotely how it was planned. Kiddos hurl nasty comments without thinking them through. And feelings get hurt. Tears aren’t just for girls. Let’s all agree that might’ve been what people …
Do The Honey Don’t List by Christina Lauren
The Honey Don’t List by Christina Lauren is an absolute DO! I flew through this book in record time. I have powered through a LOT of the Christina Lauren books. Their characters are likable, the female characters are strong gals you’d like to be friends with in real life (if you don’t already know someone …
Fall Books for Little Pumpkins
I am an unashamed Halloween and Fall season nut. I have no shame in putting up fall decorations on Labor Day. Some people’s “thing” is Christmas. Mine is Halloween. Pure joy, everyone is in a good mood, no pressure to buy the right gift, no hurt feelings because you’re with one side of the family …
Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming is the kind of book you hold others up to. This is the bar for other books. This is a must read! I picked up this book months ago because I heard so many amazing things. Award after award after award. (Spoiler: all deserved!) And I knew she was an …
The 5 Second Rule Is Just That Easy
Ok. Full disclosure. I wanted to read The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins for ages. The book arrived and sat staring at me for weeks. I’m an expert at research. Purchasing or requesting from the library – easy peasy. But shoot, open the book and get the work done? Insert image of cat chasing …
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
Tiny Dancer and I read/listened to Ban This Book by Alan Gratz together and LOVED it! We flew through this book at a record speed and we were both finding ourselves looking forward to re-starting each night after the littles went to bed. She has the multitasking skills of a total boss. I do not. …
Cool Cuts Is A Cut Above
Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe is O-M-Geeeee! This book is truly a delight! The pictures are adorable. (If that sweet boy on the cover with the bow tie doesn’t melt you, I don’t know what does!) The font is big enough for my emerging reader to feel confident reading out loud to our littlest. …