Is it just me or does it seem that reading got trendy again? In the past year, I’ve seen more people, including myself, joining book clubs, asking for book recommendations on social media and more book titles I might be interested in delivered to my inbox. I can’t say I’m upset about that – I have had a love for reading since I was young. I am happy that more people seem to be finding joy in it though!

While I haven’t hit my reading goal these last few years (maybe a little lady named Emerson has something to do with that?), I am still setting a lofty goal for myself this year: 24 Books in 2024. That does seem to even out to about two books a month, so based solely on that fact, I am already behind, but summer has always been the season when I knock out the most books. I also starting listening to books – especially more of those self-help memoirs – on Audible last year, which might get me closer to my goal. But, when given the opportunity, I will always opt for the real thing.

1. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig || This has been on my list for several years but I have never bit the bullet and read it. Thanks to being my book club’s first book of the year, I finally was forced to read it! This novel considers how regrets could have played out differently if you had the chance to make different decisions.
2. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren || Our February book club pick was a cute romance novel about childhood sweethearts who run into each other after a decade apart. It is told from the perspective of two alternating timelines, which makes it fun to try and put the pieces of the story together as you read.
3. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros || Admittedly, I am not a fan of fantasy outside of Harry Potter, but when I read the first book of this series, I was immediately captivated by the world of Basgiath War College. I can’t wait for the twists and turns of this sequel!
4. Happy Place by Emily Henry || Written by the queen of beach reads this book follows exes who find themselves bunking together on their annual friends getaway. Except they haven’t told their friends they broke up five months ago. This book is also set in Maine, so I anticipate an appropriate number of mentions of lobster rolls!
5. Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere by Savannah Guthrie || As a lifelong Today Show fan, I love my girl SG. I have been fascinated with the stories of faith she has covered over the years, so I can’t wait to pour into this collection of essays.
6. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston || I love a fast-paced thriller! I have heard nothing but great reviews of this book – a woman who lives her life under a fake identity finds herself facing her real identity. Lots of twists and turns!
7. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren || A Hallmark story: The protagonist is unhappy in most aspects of her life and is spending the last Christmas at her beloved cabin in snowy Utah. She gets stuck in a strange time loop where she relives the holiday over and over and has to find her way out. I’ll be holding this on my list until Christmas.
8. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller || I tend to trust Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club list, which is how I came across this book. This story embodies a complex love triangle full of secrets and lies. The drama!
9. Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd || I loved The Magic of Motherhood by this author so when I came across this book, I was immediately intrigued. Then, I discovered this book explores the desire to be creative in a season where that doesn’t seem possible (ahem, this blog?!). Was this written for me? We will find out!
10. That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby by Annie F. Downs || I really enjoy listening to Annie’s podcast of the same name, so I’m excited to hear her perspective on finding joy. Plus, who doesn’t want to add more fun to their lives?
11. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle || I might have picked this solely because I want to be transported to the Almalfi Coast, but am becoming more intrigued as I learn more. After having to embark on what was supposed to be a mother-daughter trip alone when her mother dies, Katy’s mother appears in Italy, except as her 30-year-old self.
12. The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose || The tagline on the cover of this book was enough to suck me in: “His mistress is dead. His wife is his only hope.” I need to know more!!
13. Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica || I’m currently reading this book and consistently thinking “Wait, what?” with each page. Told from the perspective of several different characters and their involvement in the disappearance of a local doctor.
14. Every Summer After by Carly Fortune || I’m giggling as I write this because, clearly, I made my reading list in the dark and grey winter months with most of these books having something to do with summertime. This book seems to be the summertime version of Love and Other Words – I’m not mad about it!
15. Book Lovers by Emily Henry || I’ve heard so many good things about Emily Henry, which is why two of her books landed on this year’s list. A cutthroat literary agent and her rival editor find themselves running into each other in a small town away from the city, which would be cute, except they detest each other.
16. Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley || I am always intrigued by creating intentional routines. This book takes a look at parenting with a purpose, from a faith-based perspective.
17. Come Matter Here: Your Invitation to Be Here in a Getting There World by Hannah Brencher || I don’t want to be someone who is always chasing the next, best thing, but I do sometimes find myself questioning where I currently am: in my career, in my family, in my physical location. Being present is incredibly important for me, especially in this fleeting season of parenthood. Expecting to be very inspired from the perspective of this TED talk speaker.

Other Books On My TBR List:

1. Spare by Prince Harry
2. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister 
3. Camp Girls: Fireside Lessons on Friendship, Courage, and Loyalty 
4. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
5. One More Croissant for the Road by Felicity Cloake