I absolutely love to read, but as a mom of two young kids and a full-time worker, my reading habits ebb and flow. There are months when I devour three books, and then other times I can barely get through two pages before falling asleep.
I also tend to read multiple books at once. I know, weird…but I can’t help it…I have commitment issues. My favorite genres? Self-help and personal growth books, chick lit, and good mysteries. While I might not be the best “reviewer” — I often forget my “notes” — my main goal is to encourage you to pick up a good book and get lost in a story. If I can inspire you to read something you’ll love, I’ll consider it a win!
A Side Note: My New Discovery — Goodreads
Can we talk about Goodreads for a second? I only discovered it this year, and I am absolutely hooked! Where has it been all my life?! Let me know if you are on there and I’ll give you a follow!
What I’ve Been Reading Lately
Here are a few of the books I’ve enjoyed recently. I hope you’ll find something you like too!
Winter Street Series by Elin Hilderbrand
If you’re looking for a fun and easy Christmas/winter-themed series, this one’s a great pick. Set on Nantucket, it’ll get you in the holiday spirit while you fall in love with the characters and their sweet family dynamics. Highly recommend!
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Ooh, this one is juicy! With plenty of twists and turns, I didn’t see some of them coming. I finished this book in a week and even listened to part of it on Audible — it’s a great listen too! The story centers around a young, newlywed couple where family drama unfolds. The character development is great, and you’ll find yourself rooting for some characters while despising others.
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
This may be my favorite book of 2024 so far! Set in Big Sur, the author paints such a vivid picture of the landscape that you’ll feel like you’re walking through the woods yourself. The plot is a thrilling mystery, almost like an adult version of Clue. The entire time, you’ll be trying to figure out “who done it?” Definitely recommend if you love a good, easy-to-read mystery.
Have More Fun: How to Be Remarkable, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Start Enjoying Life by Mandy Arioto
My word for 2024 is “fun.” I realized last year that, if someone had asked me what my hobbies were, I wouldn’t have been able to answer. This book was a game-changer for me. I found it while googling “how to have fun” (yes, really…. sad that I had to google that— haha). It’s a light, easy read, and a great reminder for moms to bring more fun into our lives. I think I’ll be revisiting this one regularly.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Another mystery! This one will keep you on your toes. It highlights both love and some rather unhealthy relationships (with a few surprising characters). While the character development isn’t as strong as some other books on this list, it’s still an engaging read. It’s not the happiest story, but it’s definitely worth it.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
This is a feel-good book that will make you want to grab a cold drink and book a flight to Italy. It’s a sweet, light read with a fun surprise toward the end. The happy ending is exactly what we all need in a world full of chaos. Plus, it’ll have you dreaming of the beautiful sights of Italy. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a round-about feel-good story!
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
Okay, I know not everyone loved this one, but I absolutely did! As a huge fan of Elin Hilderbrand, I was excited to dive into this book, especially since it’s the “last” one set on Nantucket for now. It features many familiar characters, and while I think it’s still great for readers who haven’t read her other books, if you’re a fan of her work, you’ll definitely enjoy it.
Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, as Kristy’s last few books didn’t quite blow me away. But this one? A pleasant surprise! It’s the perfect vacation read: light, interesting, and with great character development. If you’re in the mood for a classic chick-lit story, this is a great pick!
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Yes! This book is amazing. If you’ve seen the show, you might already know the spoilers, but trust me, the book is so much better. It’s an inspiring, eye-opening story about what it was like to be a woman and a mother in the 1960s. One of my absolute favorites of the year, and I honestly didn’t want it to end.
I hope these recommendations spark some reading inspiration for you, whether you’re looking for a cozy holiday read, gripping mystery or most likely an easy beach read. Let me know if you’ve read any of these or have suggestions for what I should add to my list next!
With Love – Chloe
-This post contains affiliate links-
Kranz Co. Life in Bloom 
Leave a comment