Most of my reading these days is happening curled up in bed with a nightlight, trying not to wake my new baby. It’s definitely a nice way to try to unwind at the end of the day.

 

Here are a few of the books I’ve been enjoying lately…

 

Twice in A Blue Moon

by Christina Lauren

This was my first Christina Lauren book and I enjoyed it so much I picked up The Unhoneymooners as well, which did not disappoint. If you enjoy escaping into a good Taylor Jenkins Reid or Jasmine Guillory novel, give this one a try.

“Sam Brandis was Tate Jones’s first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak. During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, person that Tate—the long-lost daughter of one of the world’s biggest film stars—ever revealed her identity to. So when it became clear her trust was misplaced, her world shattered for good. Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, only thinks about her first love every once in a blue moon. When she steps onto the set of her first big break, he’s the last person she expects to see. Yet here Sam is, the same charming, confident man she knew, but even more alluring than she remembered. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate must ask herself if it’s possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason… and whether “once in a lifetime” can come around twice.”

 

Introverted Mom

by Jamie C. Martin

This book is for any fellow introverts in the thick of parenting young kids. Relatable, inspiring and as a bonus she weaves in four authors that happen to top my list as well: Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, L.M. Montgomery, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

“When the volume of family life clashes with your personality, frustration, guilt, and overwhelm naturally result. In Introverted Mom, author Jamie C. Martin lifts these burdens from your shoulders, reminding you that your steady strength is exactly what your family needs in this chaotic world. Jamie shares vulnerable stories from her own life as well as thoughts from other introverted mothers, letting you know you’re not alone. Her practical suggestions and creative inspiration are enhanced with quotes and insights from four beloved writers–Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, L. M. Montgomery, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Together, Jamie and this band of fellow introverts gently point you toward hope, laughter, and joy.”

 

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue

by Karina Yan Glaser

I can’t recommend this middle grade series highly enough for the kids in your life. Karina Yan Glaser is writing classics in the making and the latest installment brings another round of adventures for this large, loveable family. The Vanderbeekers series would make a perfect family or classroom read aloud for the 3rd-5th grade crowd.

“For the Vanderbeeker kids of Harlem’s 141st Street, spring break couldn’t be off to a better start. Isa’s back from band camp, Oliver’s building his first-ever treehouse in the backyard of the brownstone, and Laney, Jess, and Hyacinth are excited to help their mother when she gets the once-in-a-lifetime chance to star in a cooking magazine. But the Vanderbeekers’ plans go off the rails when an unexpected visit from city officials puts their mother’s bakery in jeopardy. Now they’ll have to band together to save the day before they’re out of business. Perfect for fans of The Penderwicks and Front Desk.”

*You can listen to Karina Yan Glaser discuss The Vandkerbeekers series and her writing life on A Bookish Home Podcast Episode 6.

 

How to Code A Rollercoaster

by Josh Funk, illustrated by Sara Palacios

I’m always on the lookout for STEM related picture books to inspire kids and I really enjoyed this one from Josh Funk and Girls Who Code. In a serendipitous turn, it also happened to arrive on my doorstep (thank you Viking Books!) on the same day I happened to be reading Brave, Not Perfect by the founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani. Sometimes books find you at the right time and I was really excited to have the opportunity to read this to my daughter after being inspired by Reshma’s work.

“Pearl and Pascal take their coding adventures to the amusement park in this follow-up picture book from our Girls Who Code program!

Pearl and her trusty rust-proof robot, Pascal, are enjoying a day out at the amusement park. Spinning teacups, ice cream, and of course: rollercoasters! Through the use of code, Pearl and Pascal can keep track of their ride tokens and calculate when the line is short enough to get a spot on the biggest ride of them all–the Python Coaster. Variables, if-then-else sequences, and a hunt for a secret hidden code make this a humorous, code-tastic day at the amusement park!”

 

Time for Bed

by Mem Fox

Having a new baby has meant revisiting some of the books that my daughter loved at that age. This sweet board book is perfect for settling little ones at bedtime and would make a great gift for a baby shower.

“Darkness is falling everywhere and little ones are getting sleepy, feeling cozy, and being tucked in. It’s time for a wide yawn, a big hug, and a snuggle under the covers–sleep tight! Working beautifully with the soothingly repetitive text, each painting conveys a warm feeling of safety and affection -School Library Journal”

What have you been reading lately? Leave a note in the comments or let me know on your favorite social media @ABookishHome.

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Happy Reading!

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

 

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