Just Shelved: Recent Reads

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh - This women’s fiction (with a subplot of romance) story follows two women who meet under less than ideal circumstances and decide to spend the summer saying yes to things they would typically say no to. It is a story of unlikely friendship and second chances, set in NYC and a small beach town in North Carolina. It is the perfect no spice swap for Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry! Five stars for me!

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune - This then and now, second chance romance is told over the course of six summers and one weekend. Percy and Sam were childhood friends who spent their summers together in the lake town of Barry’s Bay but haven’t spoken in years until Sam’s brother, Charlie, calls Percy with tragic news. The brothers’ mom has passed away, and Charlie is inviting Percy back to Barry’s Bay for the funeral. This story has all the nostalgia of growing up while also adding in the nuisances of adulthood, friendship, and the effects of choices we make.

• Content Notes: This story does have occasional strong language as well as four open door scenes and one fade to black.

Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely - This story follows Joni and Ren, long distance best friends who make a pact to be each other’s plus one for weddings to ensure they remain close. Their plan works until a line is crossed, and their friendship is ruined. But now, they are spending a week at their families shared summer home for Joni’s sister’s wedding. This second chance, friends to lovers, dual timeline story felt like a grown up version of The Summer I Turned Pretty in all the best ways. On Kindle Unlimited!

• Content Notes: This story does have occasional strong language as well as one open door scene and two fade to black.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune - This story follow Charlie, the brother from Every Summer After, and his romance with a photographer named Alice. I absolutely loved the bucket list she makes for her summer in this book, the commentary on the life of an artist, and mostly the way that reading this book felt like you were falling in love right along with them. This book was right on the edge of my spice limit, but in this case, the story did make it worth it for me.

• Content Notes: This story does have occasional strong language as well as two open door scenes, four fade to black scenes, and many allusions throughout.

Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson - This young adult story is set in NYC and a small town called Bramble Falls in Connecticut. This is the perfect book for fall - full of harvest spice lattes, pumpkins, apple picking, bonfires, and more. The author drew inspiration for this small town from Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie, which are two of my favorite shows! There are also lots of Taylor Swift song references throughout. I absolutely loved watching Ellis come alive throughout this book and the romance was so sweet. If you are looking for the perfect cozy, atmospheric, no spice fall read, this is it!!! I read this as an ARC, but it comes out September 2nd, 2025!

On My Nightstand: Current Reads

You Make it Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan - I am not trying to switch to Christmas just yet, but I did receive an ARC of this book. I am so grateful to get to read it early - it comes out on September 23rd, 2025! This romance is between a photographer and a hockey player and is set on a Christmas tree farm. I just started it and am enjoying it so far!

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - I have three weeks left of this course, so by the next Pages I’m Turning newsletter I should finally be able to move this book to just shelved! I have truly learned so much and have absolutely loved reading this book. I already know I will read it again when I need a creative boost or am wanting to start a new project. You can read more about my experience with this course here!

In the Queue: Upcoming Reads

It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard - This is a second chance romance set during autumn in New York City. I feel like I am going to absolutely love this, and the cover is so stunning. I have read in early reviews that this does have a little bit of spice. I will share more once I read! This is an ARC, and it comes out on September 30th, 2025!

Find Your People by Jennie Allen - Since I am getting close to the end of The Artist’s Way, I am looking towards my next non-fiction read. I have been drawn lately towards building community, hosting, and putting on events. I think this will be a good read for where I am in this season of life!

More to come, friends!

Caroline