Currently {May 2020}

Currently {May 2020}

May 29, 2020

I first shared my own version of this post back in February, and I decided it was time for an update! As I mentioned before, thanks to Lauren from Bookmark Lit for the inspiration for this type of post. I've seen lot of variations on it, but hers inspired me to finally do one of my own. So, here's what my life looks like lately:

ALL THE BOOKS

Currently reading: One of my May goals is to read one of the books from my 10 to read in 2020 list, and I'm currently a third of the way through Magic for Marigold by L.M. Montgomery. It's kind of boring me, I can't lie. And I've just started The Switch by Beth O'Leary, which I ordered from the UK! I'm so excited about it.

Currently audiobook-ing: I'm in the middle of the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare and am currently listening to the third book, City of Glass. I've never read them before, so it's been fun to binge the series in this format. There's a waitlist for the next book, however, so I'll have to listen to something else in the meantime.

Currently recommending: I've read a lot of great books lately! The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (sequel to The Royal We) comes out in July, and I adored it. Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin was a surprise favorite. And Beach Read by Emily Henry has been earning rave reviews, for good reason. It was a delight!

Currently on hold at the library: My library just re-opened for curbside pickup this week. With the shutdown, they suspended fines and extended due dates so it will probably be a while before I get some of my holds. I do, however, have The River by Peter Heller in transit, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert waiting to be picked up.

Currently pre-ordered: Although I don't think I've actually done it yet, there are three June 30 releases I'm planning on pre-ordering: The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty, Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams, and Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan. Three very different books, but I'm looking forward to all of them!

Currently in my cart: I just purchased a few books from Book Outlet, and now I'm trying to narrow down another very long wishlist. I think The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner will likely be my next purchase.

Currently adding to my TBR: My most recent addition was The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. My expectations are very low knowing it's from Snow's perspective. We'll see... UGH. WHY, SUZANNE?!

Currently NetGalley-ing: I might have done a little happy dance when I learned that I was approved to read Majesty by Katharine McGee, the sequel to American Royals. I'm saving it for just the right moment!

ALL THE THINGS

Currently listening: I've lost precious music listening time since I'm rarely in the car these days. But when I do open Spotify, I keep streaming Lennon Stella's Three. Two. One. The whole album is excellent.

Currently watching: A lot of the shows in my queue are hour-long dramas, and I just haven't been in the mood for them. But I just flew through Never Have I Ever and highly recommend it! Now, I'm two episodes in to The Great, the new Hulu show about Catherine the Great starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. I think I like it?

Currently eating: All the snacks. Seriously, I can't stop! If I let myself add Peanut Butter M&Ms to my grocery order, they're gone in like three days. THE PARTY SIZE! I jokingly told Kelly that I'm going to gain the quaran-19 soon. Also, I'm regularly cooking again, and I still hate it. Why can't my family just feed themselves? Haha!

Currently drinking: A lot of Diet Coke, I can't lie. And still guzzling water, since I'm nursing.

Currently wearing: Most days it's pajamas, or some variation on them. I've been trying to put on real clothes to feel normal, but sometimes it's hard to find the motivation if we aren't going anywhere or seeing anyone.

Currently bookmarking: I'm so excited that Modern Mrs. Darcy's 2020 Summer Reading Guide is here! Though I won't end up reading everything on her list, I always love using her guide to help shape my summer TBR.

Currently coveting: I think it seems overpriced, but I still want to splurge on this Weezie Women's Short Robe. And I'm probably going to buy this Notes dry-erase board from Simplified for our fridge.

Currently obsessing over: My sister has joined bookstagram! If you're interested, she's @talesandtigerlily. She's already killing it with gorgeous photos and amazing reviews. I'm so happy that she's developed a love of reading!

ALL THE EMOTIONS

Currently celebrating: At the beginning of May, my big boy turned four. I can't believe it! He's obsessed with animals and requested a rain forest theme party for months. I was excited to deliver on the theme, although we weren't able to have a party. We still had a great day celebrating him, and he loved every minute of it.

Currently loving: Our sweet baby has been laughing lately, and it's music to my ears! He's done a little chuckle for a while now, but it was a delight to finally hear some real giggles. I make a fool of myself trying to draw it out of him.

Currently looking forward to: The hope that life will go back to normal eventually. Who isn't feeling that way?

Currently procrastinating: Two projects that I know will take less time than I feel like they will: 1) backing up a bunch of videos to OneDrive + deleting them off my phone, and 2) filling out my big boy's Promptly Journal.

Currently accomplishing: I'm really proud of the fact that I've maintained a (mostly) consistent blogging schedule since the baby was born. I wasn't sure I could, and it's been fun and rewarding to be able to make it happen!

Currently researching: All things baby sleep. I know way too much about a bunch of things that don't necessarily translate into a baby who naps well. But he's falling asleep on his own (in his crib, too!), so it's a start.

Currently thinking about: When the new Book of the Month picks will be posted – and what they might be!

Currently feeling: Grateful, but still a little anxious, too. I'm thankful for so much, but it feels like my mind is always racing these days. I just want to turn my brain off for a little bit and stop worrying about things.

What's Currently going on in your life?

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Our Newest Love & Ten Things He's Taught Me

Our Newest Love & Ten Things He's Taught Me

May 27, 2020

Photo by Michele Zakeri Photography

Our second sweet boy was born in February, the longed for and loved answer to so many prayers. His birth was relatively easy, aside from the fact that my epidural didn't really work. That was... an experience I didn't anticipate. He entered the world quickly and safely, immediately making his presence known and changing our family forever. Even though we spent months planning for his arrival, nothing could have truly prepared me for it.

Though I had a better idea of what to expect from childbirth and postpartum recovery than I did the first time around, I knew that every baby and birth story was different. I love the similarities and differences between his and his brother's – the cherished moments in each that I will retell for the boys on their respective birthdays. While I won't be posting his story here, I have been meaning to write a little bit about what life looks like lately.

He was born about a month before the stay-at-home orders existed. Our time in the hospital was remarkably normal – the virus wasn't even on our radar. Once discharged, our families visited us at home. He went to the doctor, out to lunch, had newborn photos taken, and even visited Target a time or two. But, as you know, everything changed in mid-March. It's been an adjustment, to say the least. Now, every day looks practically the same – but it's always different, too, as the baby grows and changes. Since I talked about what I was learning before he was born, I decided to share what he's taught me in his first four months of life:

1. You really can love another baby as much as your first.

While I knew in my head this would be the case, it still felt like an impossibility. Love sometimes seems measurable, until I remember that it isn't a finite resource that you split between people. I fell in love with Nick because of who he is as a person, but it will always amaze me how you can love a baby unconditionally from the moment they arrive. I don't know what this new baby's personality and interests will be, but I can't wait to find out.

2. There's nothing sweeter than seeing your big boy hold his baby brother.

Nick and I couldn't wait for our big boy to have a sibling and become a big brother. Once I was pregnant, however, the last few months felt bittersweet. But in every moment that I wondered if our big boy would be sad about the changes to come, I forgot that he, too, would get to experience a new kind of love. For a while, he started every day by saying, "Good morning, baby! Welcome to the world. This is your family, and I'm your big brother!" My heart.

3. I feel more confident in myself the second time around...

With my first, I remember a lot of Google searches that led me to hundreds of articles (that felt like they contradicted each other) and message boards filled with anecdotal stories about what did and didn't work for other moms. And while I still turn to the Internet with questions, I'm more confident in the decisions I'm making. With the exception of the coronavirus, I've felt less anxious about the day-to-day of raising a baby.

4. ... but still realize how much I don't know, every single day.

All that being said, I don't always know what I'm doing. Every baby is different, and having a second definitely proved that point. In some ways, everything feels new. We're learning how he wants to be soothed, what makes him happy or sad, what products he likes, and more. There's a temptation to compare the two boys in regards to reaching milestones, but I remind myself that this baby is his own person who will do things in his own time.

5. With big change comes big feelings.

Nick and I talked with our big boy often about what life would look like with a baby. We've been amazed at how wonderfully he's handled the transition! But on the days we can tell he's craving our attention, we remind ourselves of this truth. It doesn't just apply to the littles, either. I consider myself a pretty steady person, but my emotions get the best of me sometimes, too. My favorite cures: a cold Diet Coke, a warm bath, a good book, and time alone.

6. "I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection."

This quote from Emily Ley isn't new to me. I had a print of it framed in my office back when I was working! However, it feels particularly relevant to me now and has taken on a whole new meaning. I like doing things perfectly, but that isn't how parenting works. When I feel guilty over what I accomplished in a day, I'm trying to choose grace. I like having routines and meeting goals, but rest is important, too. It's okay to let the laundry wait.

7. Parenting during a pandemic is hard. I need my people!

Months ago, I told Nick that I was looking forward to having a normal postpartum experience. Right after my first was born, I found out I had thyroid cancer. I grieved having so much anxiety and uncertainty during such a special season of life. Hmm... sound familiar? So many of the things I felt then are so applicable today.  The hardest thing now is being more isolated. I really miss being around my family and having them get to know my baby!

8. Don't spend one season of life wishing for the next.

There are wonderful things about being home as we adjust to life as a family of four. From backyard camping to porch picnics, we've enjoyed the outdoors more than ever before. We've embraced our four-year-old's preferred uniform of pajamas all day. But as we wonder and worry over the future, I'm trying not to wish away this time in our boys' lives. I want this to be over but don't want to lose perspective on how quickly these baby days will pass.

9. You can have a second baby and still make time for the things you love.

After my first baby, I shared six things I was learning in 2016. On my list? If I love something, I'll find the time to do it. I wrote more about the concept when I shared five ways to find time to read. Well, I'm happy to report that that advice still applies with a second! Making time for the things I love – whether it's reading, blogging, or just taking a bath – helps me feel like myself. I can love and serve my family and practice some self-care, too.  

10. Give yourself the gift of sleep.

I'd heard about the sleepless nights and sheer exhaustion of the newborn period, but it never hit me too hard with my first. Welp... it sure did this time around. I have a much deeper appreciation for the restorative powers of sleep! I'm so thankful for all the wonderful resources online that have helped us establish a healthy foundation of sleep habits for our baby. From wake windows to a bedtime routine, I feel empowered by the things I've learned.

Bonus: It's reassuring to know you're not alone.

I was thrilled when I found out my favorite cousin was having a baby, too! She's only a few months older than me, and we've been close even though she was in Arkansas (and then later moved to Germany). It was so fun being pregnant at the same time, and her little boy was born two weeks after mine. Having someone going through all the same things, at the same time, has been the sweetest blessing. We text all the time, and I love it!

What have you been learning lately?

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In the Beginning...

In the Beginning...

May 26, 2020

Today's Top Ten Tuesday topic (hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl) is all about opening lines. With so many options, I decided to go with ten first sentences that immediately made me want to keep reading:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, 

that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“Last night, I dreamt that I chopped Andrew up into a hundred little pieces, 

like a Benihana chef, and ate them, one by one.”

The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum

“If you want to put me in Hell, 

plunk me down in the middle of a party where I don't know anyone.”

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

“They say death aims only once and never misses, 

but I doubt Ty Yorkshire thought it would strike with a scrubbing brush.”

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

“You already know the story of the American Revolution, 

and the birth of the American monarchy.”

American Royals by Katharine McGee

“If it had not rained on a certain May morning 

Valancy Stirling's whole life would have been entirely different.”

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

“The circus arrives without warning.”

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

“I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.”

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

“It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.”

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

“On the second Shabbat of Twelthmoon, in the city of Weep, a girl fell from the sky.”

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

What's your favorite opening line?

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'I'd notice you in a crowd of a million.'

'I'd notice you in a crowd of a million.'

May 21, 2020

PLEASE NOTE: Discussing this companion novel does spoil Sloan's story in The Friend Zone. 

Last year, I fell in love with Abby Jimenez' debut, The Friend Zone. When I found out she had a new book coming out this year, I was thrilled. And my excitement only grew when I realized it was a companion novel. In The Friend Zone, we meet Kristen's best friend, Sloan. And I knew it was an excellent book when I was invested enough to cry over the secondary characters, too. Because Sloan's story in that one? It's a happy ever after that ends too soon.

I was smitten the moment we met Sloan's fiancé, Brandon, in The Friend Zone. And part of it was because I loved the idea of two best friends falling in love with another pair of best friends. Have you ever tried to make friends as a couple? It's a challenge! So often, there's one person you like more. But as Kristen fell in love with Josh, Brandon's best friend, I could picture the four of them living near each other, raising kids at the same time, vacationing together, and more. When Brandon died, I deeply felt the loss of him and the future I'd envisioned for all of them.

The Happy Ever After Playlist picks up two years later. Sloan's life is still on pause, as if she's suspended in time. Brandon's clothes are still in the closet, his drink sitting open where he left it. Sloan is surviving, but she's not really living. Then, a dog jumps in her car window and everything changes. When Sloan finally tracks down the owner, she learns he's a musician currently on tour in Australia. He wants his dog back, but Sloan's not ready to surrender her new pet to someone who didn't even know he was missing for two weeks. Can you call it a meet cute when a couple has yet to meet? Either way, it's the beginning of a romance too adorable for words.

If you've read my review of The Friend Zone, you may remember that part of Kristen's story hit close to home for me. Though I haven't gone through the exact same thing, her feelings resonated with me. Because her story made me so emotional, I wasn't sure if Sloan's would be able to compare. I haven't experienced that type of loss, so I anticipated loving it just a tiny bit less than the first. Well, Jimenez has cemented herself as an auto-buy author for me because I loved The Happy Ever After Playlist even more. WHAT?! From the moment I started, I couldn't put it down. I had a huge grin on my face while turning the pages, subjected my bestie to constant texts about my emotional state while reading, and just felt so unbelievably thankful for it. When I was recently in need of a comfort read in the midst of the world's chaos, I re-read this book. So, yes, I've read this twice in the span of two months.

I could go on and on about why I loved this book, but here are my top three reasons you should pick it up:

1. Sloan and Kristen's Friendship
From the very beginning of The Friend Zone, I was sold on their friendship. Kristen reminded me of my best friend, and their interactions felt familiar. Sometimes I'll read a book and think, "This author is writing from experience." That's how I felt about Sloan and Kristen – they made me believe that Jimenez knows firsthand the power of female friendship. I love Kristen's hilarious attempts to fluster Sloan's more reserved nature, how they show up for one another, and how they have honest (and sometimes painful) conversations. It's a friendship rooted in love and laughter that flourishes with their loyalty to one another in every season of their lives. If there was a prequel novel focusing solely on the origins of their friendship, I'd be the first in line to read it.

2. Jason, My New Book Boyfriend 
I thought Josh Copeland won my heart in The Friend Zone, but Jason Larsen came in and stole the show. Many of my favorite book boyfriends have a similar type – a little more quiet and serious. They may not have sparkling personalities, but they're steady. But sometimes, I can't resist a charmer. From the moment Jason started replying to Sloan's texts, I was hooked. He's funny, flirty, and straightforward. He knows what he wants, he's willing to wait for it, and he's not playing games with Sloan's heart. Now, he's not perfect, most notably when he has a huge "I'm withholding information for her own good / to protect her" moment. But I understood his reasoning, even as I mentally yelled at him. Otherwise, I'm totally here for this gorgeous, guitar-playing, Minnesota man.

3. Sloan's Hard-Fought Healing
Finally, I've got to end by focusing on the incredible heroine of this book. My heart broke for Sloan and the pain she experienced in the previous book. When I learned two years had passed before the start of this book, I thought it might mean that we skipped over seeing the worst of her grief. But that wasn't the case at all. It was hard to see her so withdrawn and isolated, but I loved being able to watch her begin to fight for healing. I was so proud of her for embracing life, opening herself back up to love, and learning when to say goodbye. Another favorite aspect? Learning more about her passions! I loved reading about her artistic talent, and her skill in the kitchen came with a delightful revelation. Sloan's growth is central to the story, and I appreciated that so much.

As you can see, I'm so obsessed with this book! I have to give major props to Jimenez because Sloan and Jason's connection develops very quickly, and I'm usually annoyed by any hint of instalove. But in this case, I believed it. The first half of the book is just a delight, but the second half does have a decent amount of drama. Most of it is caused by external circumstances (Jason's music career and the reality of life on tour, etc.), so it felt like a realistic source of tension in their relationship. There is one moment, however, where Jason decides what's best for Sloan in a very frustrating way. Did I want to smack him? Absolutely. But it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book in the slightest! If you're in the mood for a fun, feel-good story of falling in love, pick up The Happy Ever Playlist.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

Release Date: April 14, 2020 | Publisher: Hachette; Forever Romance

Source & Format: Publisher; e-ARC | Pages: 400 pages

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

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Quick Lit: April 2020

Quick Lit: April 2020

May 15, 2020

April was a great reading month for me, and I finished 15 books. I wrote a longer review for Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt, and one of my April reads was the first book in a series that I'll write about in a separate post. But today I've got mini reviews for nine of my April reads + some quick thoughts on four re-reads at the bottom of the post! If you enjoy this feature, check out other readers' reviews at Modern Mrs. Darcy.

THE HONEY-DON'T LIST BY CHRISTINA LAUREN – When I first discovered Christina Lauren, I thought I'd found a new favorite author(s). But lately, I've realized that their books have been hit-or-miss for me. The premise of their latest release sounded hilarious, and I did enjoy certain elements of it. I liked the idea of a fictional version of Chip and Joanna Gaines who were terrible and can't stand each other off-screen, but they were more fleshed out than the main characters. As a whole, the book felt very rushed and undeveloped. For the first time, it felt evident that this duo is releasing books very quickly. The romance was so forgettable, which is a problem for a book billed as a romantic comedy. I was just So Okay With It and am disappointed by how much it lacked. So meh!

BEACH READ BY EMILY HENRY* – This book wasn't on my radar until I spotted a rave review of it on Instagram, but I still decided to request it for review. I'm so glad I did because it quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year! When I first started it, I was intrigued but not immediately invested. But the more I read, the more I loved it! I loved the the backstories of the hero and heroine, fell for their quippy banter, and thought the premise worked so well. The storyline involving the heroine's father was so moving, and I loved how Henry explored whether we can know our parents fully. Another favorite aspect? The heroine and her best friend. I am so here for books celebrating strong female friendships! It was a lot more emotional than I expected, and I'm So Obsessed With It.

THE KINGDOM OF COPPER BY S.A. CHAKRABORTY – After refreshing my memory of The City of Brass (thanks, Recaptains!), I was ready to dive in to this sequel. Y'all, it was even better than the first! That's an accomplishment since so many series have a lull in the middle. I was more engaged in the action in this book and didn't have any issue with the pace. And because I was more familiar with the world, I didn't find it as difficult to follow. I still loved the political maneuverings, and I thought the time jump at the beginning of the book worked really well. One of my favorite things about the book is that I truly don't know how everything will be resolved in the end – both with the overall conflict and with the relationships between characters. I So Enjoyed It and can't wait for the conclusion!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE BY GREER HENDRICKS & SARAH PEKKANEN – Since I enjoyed this duo's first and second book, I couldn't wait to dive in to their third! It has very short chapters and alternates between the heroine, Shay, and the Moore sisters. You know there's something unusual about the sisters – and Shay's burgeoning friendship with them – but can't quite figure out what's going on. The last part was the most exciting – tense, fast paced, and delivered some real surprises. But I had more questions about it the more I thought about it once I was done. I'm not entirely sure the story made sense once the thrill of reading had faded. I So Liked It because it was a fun reading experience + just right for my mood, but it was my least favorite of their books so far.

THE RIGHT SWIPE BY ALISHA RAI – I couldn't decide what to read next, so I started browsing my library's audiobooks. The cover of The Right Swipe caught my eye, and the premise sounded fun. So, I decided to take a chance on it – and am so glad I did! The audio experience was delightful, and I loved that it had two narrators since it had both the hero and heroine's point of view.  loved how it featured dating apps and modern dating has changed because of them. The diversity in the story was great, and I loved the added depth with the discussion of football's effect on the brain and how women are often treated in the workplace. It was a fun contemporary romance, and I So Enjoyed It. My complaint? The sex scenes were too detailed for me, personally.

GIRL GONE VIRAL BY ALISHA RAI – In The Right Swipe, we're introduced to the heroine of Girl Gone Viral. Based on what we learn of her in the first book, I knew I'd be starting this book immediately. I needed to know more about her! What happened in her past that led to the woman she is today? This book slowly reveals her story, and I wasn't disappointed. The romantic situation in this one felt very friends-to-lovers, which worked for me. Although, once again, I would have preferred a more closed-door romance. The heroine goes viral when someone live-tweets an innocent conversation that looks like a meet cute, and I adored how the author used that setup to discuss privacy in the age of the Internet. I So Enjoyed It, and am so glad I took a chance on this series.

THE DOLL PEOPLE, THE MEANEST DOLL IN THE WORLD AND THE RUNAWAY DOLLS BY ANN M. MARTIN AND LAURA GODWIN – I don't read many children's books these days, but I couldn't resist the appeal of a book about a family of dolls coming to life when their human owner isn't around. These are the kind of books I would have adored as a little girl! And even as an adult, I found all three books incredibly delightful. The illustrations throughout, by the talented Brian Selznik, just added to their charm. In the first, Annabelle Doll searches for her missing aunt and makes a new doll friend, Tiffany Funcraft. In the second, Annabelle and Tiffany accidentally end up at their owner's school and have to deal with a bully. In the third, Annabelle and Tiffany run away from home to protect another doll. All three were very quick reads for me, and all earned a So Enjoyed It. They brought a smile to my face and made me nostalgic for my childhood. It's magical to imagine your toys having a life of their own, and authors Martin and Godwin perfectly captured it. I can't wait to read these aloud to my boys one day!

I re-read four books in April. While browsing my unfinished Audible books, I got the itch to re-read The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta. I just re-read them last year but found myself craving a return to this world. I hadn't listened to them on audio before, so I was excited for that experience. The first book, Finnikin of the Rock, is narrated by Jeffrey Cummings but the second and third, Froi of the Exiles and Quintana of Charyn, are narrated by Grant Cartwright. I am so glad the narrator changed! Cummings wasn't terrible, but I didn't really enjoy listening to him. Cartwright, on the other hand, was a delight to listen to and made me love these characters even more. I'm So Obsessed With It, of course! If you want to know why I love them, check out my re-read review from last year. 

In addition to that series, I also re-read The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. I adore the book, and the forthcoming sequel, The Heir Affair, definitely tops my list of most-anticipated 2020 releases. When I got a copy of it to read for review, I knew I had to go back to the beginning first. The Royal We was just as delightful as I remembered! It was my second re-read via audio, and I love narrator Christine Lakin. If you love modern royalty, this book is for you. It's a perfect example of fiction with real-life inspiration, and I'm So Obsessed With It!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

What have you been reading lately?

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