Welcome back to Recs, a digest of what I read and loved this week. I was having lunch with a friend this week who agreed that audiobooks and easy, FUN books are just what we need right now as two exhausted moms. I love a literary read and it’s my bread-and-butter, but there are some weeks where I simply can’t. (Raise your hand if you, too, were up with the baby at 4am most nights!!) That’s all to say that I had to abandon my literary fiction read this week. Not because it was bad, but because I’m just not in the mood for challenging reads right now. After slogging through Land by Maggie O’Farrell (which I liked! but it was long and dense), I was craving something FUN and decidedly not filled with so much tragedy.
So, on a whim, I started Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan on audio—this is a popular romance author I’d been meaning to read forever but just hadn’t. And—BIG EXHALE! It’s just what I needed: a fun break and a fake-dating trope. A single mom who is back in her seaside hometown is desperate for some extra cash. When a handsome but emotionally unavailable, workaholic rich guy needs her to be his fake girlfriend, it’s an immediate yes. The setting, the slow burn, the tugging at the heartstrings! Sigh. I’m LOCKED IN and here for all of it. I’m sure I’ll return to my “literary reads” at some point, but I’m pretty happy with where I am now. My lesson learned: It’s really not that serious. It’s okay to have some fun with reading. That’s the whole point! You won’t lose some sort of “literary heavyweight” card. (I wouldn’t want that card, anyway!) Books are for pleasure and if you’re not having fun, it’s okay to adjust. I’d love some more recs from this group - please drop your fun, easy reads of the moment in the comments. It doesn’t have to be romance! Bonus points if they’re doing something interesting and fresh!
New books on my radar… On that note, if you’re looking for something fun, I think Downtime readers would love these releases that just came out: Romance Revival by Christina Lauren, a romance by cult-favorite authors (that cover screams summer), and The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza, a mystery-thriller. Both look like romps. The Plunge by Lila Raicek has also been crossing my feeds quite a lot as a “summer read” lately. I’m intrigued by Elin Hilderbrand’s blurb and her comparison of the writing to that of Emma Cline. Sounds sexy, dark, mysterious. Lastly, some big book news: Romantasy author Rebecca Yarros finally revealed her next book, a collection of short stories called Threshing Day, to be published on September 29th. Consider my calendar marked!! I love the title and focused, high-stakes setting. I surprised myself when I read Fourth Wing last year (also during postpartum, I’m pretty sure) and immediately got sucked into the whole Empyrean series. It’s not “literary,” but it’s fun and sexy, which, again, is what I need right now.
Summertime ease: Many of the pieces I’m reaching for right now are from Sézane—pieces I’ve owned for many years, like my go-to low leather sandals that are so easy to slip into and get more comfortable with every wear. My other top picks: this sexy-slinky dress for date nights, a cheerful gingham-checked top, and a basket bag to add summery texture to any look. I really want this one!* *sponsored mention
Two baby phase MVPs!When I posted this bottle washer on Instagram yesterday, I got a gazillion DM’s from other moms (and dads!) who expressed a similar level of passion. It’s now my top rec for new parents who wish to save their sanity. It washes, dries, and sterilizes all in one.
Second, I had no idea that Doona, the stroller/car seat combo we LOVED with our first, has a new model out, the Doona X. When they offered to send it to try (I am so lucky!), it was an immediate yes. We’re still road testing it, but so far it looks and feels sturdier. The canopy is longer too, hallelujah. P.S. This was my bubbly red wine rec from last week! The link was broken.
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