Summer mindset, read-a-likes, and an easy joy
Embracing a new season
Welcome to Monthly Wrap, where I share three books I loved last month, three books Iām looking forward to, and three good things.
May is always full to the brim with celebration, and this year was no exception. We were away most weekends or had a packed calendar. And while it can be a lot, I love celebrating all the people and occasions in my life.
But this past Sunday, I had a full introvert's day alone while Dean went mountain biking with friends, and it was exactly what I needed. As I look ahead to a summer that will be busy with both work and all the seasonal goodness, I'm hoping to keep things feelingāwhenever possibleāsimple.
As I thought about how I could make this happen, I realized that the biggest and easiest change to make is to cut down on the noise and distraction that my phone is often guilty of. I think part of why we all feel nostalgic for the summers of our childhood is because they were free of constant technology and distraction.
It's hard these days to feel fully present, alive, grateful, and content in any given moment because there is so much to compare to. But, without the ability to compare, isn't it a wonderful idea that we could be content and things could feel simpler? That's what I want my season to be.
I want to work hard and feel proud of the work I create this season. I want to read good books that call my name louder than my phone does. I want to go for lunchtime walks just to notice how the wildflowers change each day. I want to go on evening bike rides with Dean. Even in the busyness, I want to feel centered, peaceful, and content.
Now, onto the books...
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Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy1 is a dark and atmospheric novel set on a misty island in the middle of the ocean that houses the worldās largest seed bank, where a mysterious woman washes up on shore during a storm. McConaghy is so incredibly talented at creating atmosphere in her novels, and this one was completely engrossing with a thread of mystery that carried through the pages.
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune is Fortuneās best book yet, in my opinion. I feel like it single-handedly pulled me out of a reading slump last month, and I wanted to live inside the pages at the lake with Alice, Charlie, and Nan. Fortune perfectly captures summer in a book, and I especially appreciate her strong female leads (this one being a photographer) who always have more going on than just their love life.
Itās a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan2 is another excellent addition to your summer reading list if youāre looking for something that feels nostalgic and summery. I especially loved Jane and Danās dynamic, and Danās huge Irish family, including a cast of lovable brothers, added a lot of texture and depth to their love story for me.
Want more recs? See everything I read in May here:
Days of Light by Megan Hunter (out 6/10) because I cannot resist a novel set in the English countryside, especially one that is decades spanning. I saw this compared to one of my favorite books from recent years and have been anticipating it ever since.
Bug Hollow by Michelle Huneven (out 6/17) because I have read and loved every single one of Huneven's previous novels. I think she excels at writing tender and joyful stories around hard things. I highly recommend reading some of her backlist while you wait for this new release! I'd start here or here.
Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (out 6/24) because I've seen nothing but rave reviews from fellow trusted readers, and the premise of family friends joining together to celebrate a birthday, where something goes wrong, sounds intriguing and very similar to this book I also loved.
Lunch outside. I've been trying to take my lunch and book outside during my lunch breaks on workdays, and it's a great mood booster! It sounds obvious, but it gives my eyes and brain a good break from screens and allows me to soak up some vitamin D. Honestly, it's been a really nice mental reset in the middle of the day! Highly recommend.
Time with out-of-town friends. This past month was filled with out-of-town friends, and it was such a joy. Between friends staying for the weekend, impromptu dinner meet-ups, and a weekend away, it was nice to spend time with people that I usually don't get to see so much. Proof that making time to see the long-time friends that don't live as close is always worth it.
Mountain hikes. We so often opt for a coastal hike when we want to get outside on the weekends. But a few weeks ago, for Dean's birthday, I planned a day to a nearby mountain. We trekked through the very green forest for a few miles and then stopped at a nearby brewery for post-hike beers and pizza overlooking the rolling hills and it was so lovely. I love a coastal hike, but it was a good reminder to mix in more mountain hikes this season.
Until next time,
From Junes past:
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Thank you to Flatiron Books for my free copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Putnam Books for my free copy. All opinions are my own.
A little bit of it might be the photographer in me, but I absolutely loved One Golden Summer! Also, are those rice crispy treats with chia seeds? Yum, tell me more!
So many good books! Lunch outside is such a simple yet happiness boosting action, I love it!