Just Shelved: Recent Reads

Could’ve Fooled Me by Jenny Proctor - I absolutely LOVED this! It was super close to a five star, and it made me fall a whole lot more in love with the marriage of convenience trope. Carter was incredibly kind, and I really enjoyed Sarah’s character as well!

• Content: closed door intimacy between a married couple, no language, LGBTQ side character

The Run Option by Annah Conwell - The marriage of convenience trend continues…I think this was my favorite in the More Than a Game series! I loved the way Jason pursued Willow and the community they had around them.

• Content: closed door intimacy between a married couple, no language

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center - In all honesty, I kind of went into this book thinking it would be sad and therefore, I wouldn’t like it - which is crazy because I am a huge Katherine Center fan! Of course, I ended up really enjoying it. Her writing and the way she told this story of hope was so inspiring to me.

• Content: allusions to spice but no open door scenes, occasional strong language

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez - I had a fun reading experience with this book - I couldn’t wait to pick it up and keep reading! I really enjoyed both of the main characters. Chris especially was so sweet, kind, and selfless - almost to a fault at times. The relationships in this book are very messy but they’re real, and I love that Abby tackled a story as complicated as this one. Stories like these really make me think deeply about what I would do in the characters’ shoes and how not everything is always black and white.

• Content: closed door with allusions to spicy things, occasional strong language

The Double Play by Annah Conwell - I think this might be my least favorite in the More Than a Game series, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! The nanny trope isn’t always my favorite, but the little girl in this book was really adorable! I also really love Annah’s writing and how easy it is to get lost in the romance - so much so that I went on to finish the series…

• Content: kissing only, no language

The Confidentiality Clause by Annah Conwell - This was a perfect finale to the More Than a Game series. I really liked the theme in this one of Brock learning what was truly important and finding ways to relax and deal with stress. Also, the love confession / scene where they get together was really sweet and cute! I am so happy I finally picked up this series, and I can’t wait to read more by Annah Conwell!

• Content: kissing only, no language

On My Nightstand: Current Reads

Underneath Sunset Skies by Makenzie Hinkemeyer - This is my first beachy read of the year, and I am loving it!! The small coastal town feels fresh yet familiar, and I am enjoying both of our main characters so far. It is reminding me a little of The Summer I Turned Pretty in the best way, and I cannot wait to keep reading!

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge - I am getting close to finishing this one as I continue to prepare to be a BOY mom! I am so excited!

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin - This is my first birth prep book, and I am finding it equal parts fascinating, terrifying, and exciting! I am eager to continue learning and preparing for this next season of life.

In the Queue: Upcoming Reads

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman - I watched the Netflix adaptation of this book a year or two ago and really loved it. It is totally breaking my rule to watch the movie before reading the book, but since I loved the movie so much, I want to go back and read the book too! I absolutely love bucket lists or challenges or anything like that in books, and so I know I will enjoy this and find it inspiring!

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon - This is the next book up on my birth prep curriculum I made myself! I am planning to share more about my pregnancy / birth / postpartum reading list later this year if any of you are interested!

She Works His Way by Michelle Myers and Somer Phoebus - As I prepare to add being a mom to my other titles, I want to make sure I am focusing on doing what is important, not just always trying to get things done. Focusing on what is important is a goal I set for 2026 before I found out I was pregnant, and it feels even more applicable now that I know our son will be joining us soon!

What books have you just shelved, are on your nightstand, or are in the queue?

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More to come, friends!

Caroline