Just Shelved: Recent Reads

Underneath Sunset Skies by Makenzie Hinkemeyer - The author so kindly sent me an ARC, and I had such a fun time reading it! This forced proximity romance is set in coastal Massachusetts in the cutest little beach town. It definitely reminded me of The Summer I Turned Pretty, if you are looking for something to give you the same feeling!

• Content: Kissing only, no language.

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman - I read this one after watching and loving the movie adaptation. In this case, I think I actually liked the movie more, but I still enjoyed the overall plot and concept of the life list in the book!

• Content: Occasional strong language, one detailed kissing / spicy-ish scene at the end of chapter 19, LGTBQ side character.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan - I really loved the summery, boating, coastal feel of this book. Stewart and Dolly both felt like real people that I enjoyed getting to know and having a front row seat to watch their fake relationship become real. I did feel like the third act conflict drug on a little longer than I would’ve liked, but I was happy with the resolution! Overall, this was a great summer read!

• Content: Vague spice scenes (middle of ch 25, middle of ch 31), rare strong language.

More Than Friends by Denise Hunter - This friends to lovers story was so seamless and believable while also being incredibly realistic to the challenges the two characters faced. I loved the coastal island setting and the wild horses!

• Content: Kissing only, no language.

Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh - Another five star read from Courtney Walsh!!!! This one has an amazing cast of characters, a picturesque and cozy Chicago setting, an inspirational main character, and a sweet slow burn romance. I highly recommend you pick this one up when it comes out on June 9th! I also have a reading vlog with so many more thoughts that will be coming soon on my Youtube channel!

• Content: Kissing only, no language.

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge - I would highly recommend this book if you are looking to better understand your husband or son! Learning more about the heart of a man and the way God designed them was super insightful, and I pray will make me a better wife and mom!

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin - I am very happy I put this one on my birth reading list and chose to read it first! The first half shares tons of birth stories that provide a very positive yet also realistic view of birth that I appreciated. The second half held a lot of practical advice and mechanics that gave me a great overview as I continue to learn about labor and birth. Highly recommend if you are pregnant!

On My Nightstand: Current Reads

Summer at Firefly Beach by Jenny Hale - This is one that has been on my physical TBR for a while, and I finally picked it up yesterday! It is set at the beach, and I think is childhood friends to lovers which I am excited about!!!

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon - This book is incredibly detailed and hands on, teaching you about the birth process, how to progress through labor, exercises to do, etc. I know I will be coming back to this one over and over again the next couple months!

Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin - With some of our goals and plans for 2026, I knew I wanted to read some sort of money book. This one so far has been perfect for me, as it really focuses on the mindset and less on specific numbers. I accidentally let my libby hold expire though so now I have to wait in line again to get it back! Oops!

In the Queue: Upcoming Reads

Spur of the Moment by Juliana Smith - I thought a cowboy romance would be a fun switch up from all the beachy romances I have been reading, and I am super excited about this one! The summer bucket list with a childhood friends to lovers, second chance story sounds like my recipe for a perfect book. I can’t wait!

Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan - This is the next book up on my birth list! I have heard really good things and am excited to start focusing on preparing my mind for labor and delivery.

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

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More to come, friends!

Caroline