Pages I’m Turning: August 2026
Just Shelved: Recent Reads
Beachy Keen by Kasey Stockton - This is the second book in the Falling for Summer series and a millionaire / billionaire trope, which is always super fun. I think this series is so perfect to binge in the summer, and I really enjoyed the way all the books and characters overlapped.
Content: Kissing only, no language.
Plotting Summer by Jess Heileman - This is the third book in the Falling for Summer series, and I think this might’ve been my favorite (so far)! I loved the bookish elements of this story, the beachy setting, and the childhood friends to lovers trope. Tristan was such a sweetheart, and I loved the way the couple had such a strong community around them.
Content: No spice, no language.
Secretly Yours by Brittney Joy - I dipped my toes into a fall romance this month, and it got me so excited for the season to come! This is the third book in her Knitted in Love series, but I read it as a standalone and enjoyed it! I loved the theater scenes, the Chicago backdrop, the friends to lovers storyline, and Alice’s relationship with Will’s daughters. This story is perfect for cozying up on a fall day!
Content: No spice, no language.
Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan - Another great birth prep book, especially if you are going unmedicated. This had lots of practical tools I could use any day now!!
The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson - I wanted to read a book about postpartum just to have a little bit better grasp on what to expect. This one was not my favorite, but I did glean some helpful tips from the beginning of the book. I will likely keep searching for a good postpartum book recommendation!
On My Nightstand: Current Reads
Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - I am never exactly sure what to read during this season in between summer and fall. I felt done with summery romances but also not quite ready to start my fall TBR, so I decided to pick up where I left off in The Grandest Game series. These books are always so fast-paced and fun, and so far that is remaining true! I haven’t wanted to put it down.
The Baby Book by William Sears - This book is over 1,000 pages of baby information and advice. I am reading a few pages each night and thinking I will probably buy a physical copy as a reference guide to have once baby is here!
In the Queue: Upcoming Reads
The Gilded Blade by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - I hear that Glorious Rivals ends on a cliffhanger, so I am assuming I will want to go straight into the final book!
Here We Go Again by Jenny Proctor - This is the second book in the Georgia Jaguars interconnected hockey romance series. I read the first book, Could’ve Fooled Me, earlier this year and LOVED it. I am so excited to have Theo’s story now!
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger - I have heard breastfeeding is one of the hardest and also most rewarding things about motherhood. I want to learn as much as I can, so this is on my list to try to squeeze in before baby boy comes!
The First Forty Days by Heng Ou - This is the final book left on my reading list to prepare for birth and postpartum. I am thinking I might have to skim this one since I am so close now, but I want to be super intentional about nutrition after baby comes.
What books have you just shelved, are on your nightstand, or are in the queue?
Thank you for reading No Spice Books!
More to come, friends!
Caroline
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