In the past two years as I have added reading back into part of my semi-monthly routine, I’ve noticed how much more it fuels me than say, binge-watching “The Office” for the 8th time (and I LOVE “The Office”). In fact, some of my favorite little moments from last year was time I spent out on our screened-in porch completely engulfed in a new book. I love the challenge of completing a book, and of course, the life-long benefit of reading encourages me to continue to grow this habit into a more than semi-monthly occurrence. I also love to see what other people are reading, so today I’m sharing my 2020 Reading List with you!

Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey || I read both prequels in the Peachtree Bluff series last year and LOVED them. They are the perfect beach read that follows a mother and her three daughters as they face life’s joys and hardships. This last book focuses on the youngest sister, Emerson, an actress, who is recently engaged and just landed a role of a lifetime — a role that portrays her oldest sister’s public separation from her husband. I’m sad this is the last book in the series, but I cannot wait to see how it ends!

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman || Okay, so this was on my list last year but I never quite got to it. So much so that I already bought the book! It tells the story of a couple honeymooning when they come across something in the water (hence the title). Their decision on want to do changes their lives forever. I MUST KNOW MORE.

When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley || If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love Emily Ley. In a world where burnout, exhaustion and overwhelm are so present, this book takes readers on a journey to realize there is more in saying “no”, and encouragement on how to adapt some of her suggested changes into the reader’s life to find the joy that they are looking for. This may be my first read of the year!

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes|| Set during the depression, this novel follows five women who are brought together to deliver books as a part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s traveling library. Based on a true story, this book seems to have it all — historical fiction, friendship, and books! Extra points for it being written by the same author as “You Before Me”.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid || This book is all over lists of books to read in 2020! While babysitting, Emira is confronted and is accused of kidnapping the toddler she is looking after. The child’s mother, Alix, is shocked by the accusations as she has spent her whole career teaching women how to have confidence-driven careers. It is a story of race, privilege, and the complications around being a grown-up.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist || This book was actually recommended to me by my friend Laura. This book contains a collection of short essays about celebrating life’s ordinary moments. If this book isn’t right up my alley, then I don’t know what it! 🙂

American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins || Okay, so this book is now in the center of a large controversy due to the validity of who wrote it and how characters are depicted. Expected to be one of the biggest novels of 2020, and named the “Grapes of Wrath of our time”, I still plan to read it and make an opinion of my own. The story follows a middle-class woman living in Mexico with her son when she is forced to escape violence in her town to a new life as an undocumented immigrant in the United States.

The Unwinding of the Miracle: A Memoir of Life, Death and Everything That Comes After by Julie Yip-Williams || Woah. The title of this book stops me in my tracks every time. This memoir recalls the stories of the author’s life struggles and successes throughout her young life to the halting diagnosis of colon cancer at 37 years old. What’s even more incredible is she wrote this book as she was dying. I’m not typically into memoirs, but I just have to read this.

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano || This coming-of-age fiction novel is the story of a young boy, the sole survivor of a plane crash, who has to learn how to face the world with no family. The reviews are fully emotional – equally heartbreaking and joyful. Even Jodi Picoult, my favorite author said, “A reading experience that leaves you profoundly altered for the better . . . Don’t miss this one.”

Simply Spaced by Monica Leed || I’m starting to realize that a clean and tidy home brings me joy. This book is a step-by-step guide to a beautiful and organized home, based on the idea of less is more, while also sharing tips and style suggestions. I was gifted this book for Christmas and can’t wait to dive in!

100 Days to Brave by Annie F. Downs || I have been eying this book at Target for the last few years. This short devotional encourages women to step outside of their comfort zone and embrace the path that God has led you on. I’ve heard great things about this one and considering my word of the year is “Brave”, I just had to add it to my list!

The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming by Sally and Sarah Clarkson || Cultivating a lifegiving home is a goal of mine this year now that we are in a much bigger space to host and grow. This book helps guide readers in creating a joyful space that is more than just your place for laundry and sleeping. I have heard so many people recommend this book!

Extra Read:

Sisters First by Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager || This was also on my list from last year, and I’m including it as an extra read because I was about halfway through when the New Year came around. It reminds me so much of my sister and I growing up.  Even though we aren’t twins, we often were confused as so, and many of their stories trigger so many memories of the antics that we would cause!

Interested in reading more? Check out my 2018 and 2019 reading lists and let me know what you think!