How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

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#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Are there any book small towns you’d like to liv Are there any book small towns you’d like to live in? 📍

I think I’d sell a kidney to live in Inglewild 😂 Small towns give me such happiness and this one seems especially cozy and filled with so many entertaining people 🙈

I kinda wish this series would last forever, but simultaneously, I just live for ANYTHING BK Borison writes 😍 I adored First Time Caller as well and can’t wait for more of that story to unfold! 📖

Have you read any of this author’s books? 🤎 

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#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover #booksmalltowns #smalltownbooks cozy read, romance books, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Have you already read any of your most anticipated Have you already read any of your most anticipated books this year? 😍

I felt like I was counting down the days to Oathbound and Sunrise on the Reaping—and both of them definitely lived up to my expectations (best feeling ever)! 🙌🏼

Now to fully immerse myself in some of my fantasy ARCs and continue listening to EmHen’s latest! 🤎

Were any of these on your 2025 TBR? 📚

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#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read
Who are some of your favorite book siblings? 📖 Who are some of your favorite book siblings? 📖

I really love getting the chance to see a great sibling dynamic in a book—especially in fantasy, and *especially especially* if they work together! 🤝🏼

Unseelie had the most interesting twins in it and I loved seeing their similarities, their differences, and how they used both throughout the story! 🤎

Have you read this one yet? ✨

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#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Have any books taken you by surprise lately, and i Have any books taken you by surprise lately, and if so, which ones? 😳
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I tend not to stray very far from my comfort zone of fantasy and fluffy romance, but I recently read WE’LL PRESCRIBE YOU A CAT, a translated novel about a magical mental health clinic that loans out cats to their patients. 🐈 It was absolutely fantastic in every way and became my first 5-star read of the year (outside of my rereads). 🙌🏼 
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Magical realism has always been a favorite genre of mine, but I usually struggle a lot with translated books. 😅 It was such a treat to immerse myself in this story and I can’t wait to read the sequel soon! 📖
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What was your last 5-star read? ⭐️ 
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozyaesthetic #translatedbooks #magicalrealism #wellprescribeyouacat #berkleybooks books | japanese novel | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
Did you discover any new (or new-to-you) authors i Did you discover any new (or new-to-you) authors in the past year? ☕️
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I know they say “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be real… we all do it! 😂 When I saw the cover for The Lovers, I was instantly obsessed—and then I read the synopsis! I knew I needed it in my life right away, and I wasn’t disappointed. 🤎
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This book is full of self-discovery, sapphic sweetness, and some truly hilarious moments that had me laughing til my stomach hurt. 🙌🏼 I loved every minute of it and about burst into tears when @berkleypub sent me a copy! 🥹
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Rebekah’s storytelling was fantastic and I can’t wait to read her upcoming book, The Sun and the Moon, when it comes out in August! 📖
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Is this a title you’ve picked up or added to your TBR? 📚
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyaesthetic #theloversbook books | sapphic books | queer books | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
Are there any series you’re hoping to finish thi Are there any series you’re hoping to finish this year? 📚
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Typically, I’m someone who flies through series and prioritizes finishing them as soon as I possibly can. However, over the last few years, I’ve done a poor job completing all of the series I start, so I’m trying to make it a goal to finish them up! 👏🏼
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Some series that I’ve got on my list to finish:
📖 Girls of Paper and Fire
📖 Legacy of Orïsha (especially with the adaptation news!)
📖 Beasts of Prey
📖 The Inheritance Cycle
📖 The Atlas
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I’ve also got several that I’d like to start… but that’s another story entirely. 🙈
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Have you read any of these? 🤎
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyaesthetic #fantasybooks books | book series | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
Tell me just ONE of your auto-buy authors! 🫡
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I read The Charm Offensive a few years ago and instantly fell in love with Alison’s writing and the way the book made me feel so seen. 🥰 
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When I got an ARC of Kiss Her Once for Me, I was thrilled and once again inhaled the book. Yet again, it was a story that made me feel understood. 🥹
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I pretty much sobbed my way through Here We Go Again on audio and immediately purchased a physical copy so I could put myself through both the heartache and deep belly laughing again and again. 😅
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@alisoncochrun is forever and ever going to be an auto-buy author for me. 🤎
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Have you read any of these books? 📚
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyaesthetic #alisoncochrun books | sapphic books | queer books | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
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Lifestyle · July 29, 2019

To Have and To Read

All the books I have read in spring and summer of 2019 easily double or triple the number of books I’ve “consumed” in the past few years. It’s like I’m having a read-off with myself.

I’ve always been a bookworm, practically devouring whole series in a week’s span and dang proud of it, too. In the past few years, however, I’ve noticed my affinity for reading dwindling down like a candle running out of wax – and I needed to do something about that. I couldn’t simply stop reading. I needed to mix it up. In my 20’s, I hadn’t quit picking up young-adult novels from the library, and fantasy/sci-fi was my favorite genre. It wasn’t long before I noticed I was the odd one out of my group of bookie friends. Everyone was out there reading romance or thrillers or self-help books, and here I was re-reading Twilight for the fifth time.

At the beginning of the year, I made a list of 15 books I wanted to read. No, I haven’t read them all (yet) but I’m working my way down the list, one-by-one, and I’ve even read a few books outside of the list that I wanted to share with you. It helped that I set up an account on Audible. I went from reading a physical book within a month, to listening to 3-4 books in a month. I can multitask while listening, and I feel much more like my younger self, pouring over book after book – all in different genres!

I’m going to give you a little information on each book I’ve read in spring and summer of 2019. I’ll tell you if I loved them, couldn’t finish them, or just started them!

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely // Lysa TerKeurst ★★★★★

I had been wanting to read this book for a couple of years, and after mentioning my interest in it in the blog post mentioned above, a good friend gifted it to me for my birthday in February. I started reading it around April and finished it very quickly. It’s thought-provoking and convicting, but also not at all challenging to get through. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy faith-based books.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before // Jenny Han ★★★★

I started listening to this on Audible and finished it in about four days. I’ll admit, I watched the movie on Netflix first – and fell totally in love with it. This book is great, but there are some differences I don’t enjoy as much. However, I’m sure I would’ve felt the same way about the movie if I had read the book first. I do plan to finish the trilogy, and have already downloaded (and starting listening to) the other two books.

The Wedding Date // Jasmine Guillory ★★

This book came highly recommended by a lot of my blogger friends. I had really high expectations when I started it, but they were quickly dashed when I realized the 90% of the story is just sex scene after sex scene. Now, if that’s what you enjoy – then go for it. I guess I was just waiting for the plot to really kick in and grab my attention, but it fell pretty flat.

Crazy Rich Asians / China Rich Girlfriend / Rich People Problems // Kevin Kwan ★★★★★

Another book whose movie I watched first – but this time I loved the book(s) way more than the movie. I know that the other two subsequent movies are in talks, and I hope they happen, because I think the story gets even better come the second and third book! I tore through this trilogy, and was totally wrecked when I finished them a couple weeks back. I already want to read them again!

When Life Gives You Lululemons // Lauren Weisberger ★

Alright, so you gotta know that I really adored “The Devil Wears Prada” (the book and the movie). So I was thrilled when Lauren released Emily’s story all these years later. However, I got to about halfway through this book and couldn’t even finish it. The characters were amusing, but to me it felt like it was fighting to be way more raunchy and taboo than the original story about Miranda and Andrea. It’s a rarity for me to not even finish a book, and maybe I should’ve at least read til the end (it’s still in my Audible library, so I might do that) but I do have to admit I was disappointed.

Finale: A Caraval Novel // Stephanie Garber ★★★★★

I’ve been reading each one of the “Caraval” novels as they’ve been released, and the last one in the trilogy has certainly not been what I expected – in a good way. Stephanie writes the way I want to read, if that makes any sense. These books have totally sucked me in. I read the first one in a day, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second and third as they came out. I finished this book in less than a week and was completely satisfied by the ending (though I still want more).

The Late Bloomers’ Club // Louise Miller (just started reading)

I haven’t been reading this quite long enough to form an opinion on it, but after reading this review, I immediately ordered it from my library. I’m excited to get further into the story!

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear // Elizabeth Gilbert ★

This was another book I had heard really excellent reviews on. I was looking forward to a little “pump me up” kinda self-help reading. Instead, it just seemed like the author really loved telling kinda woo-woo stories (if you get my gist) and I lost interest really quickly. I didn’t finish this book, and I don’t plan to give it a second chance.

Five Feet Apart // Rachael Lippincott ★★★★★

Confession time: I love sick-lit (sick literature: stories about people with illnesses). Nicholas Sparks, John Green, Ned Vizzini – they’ve all sucked me in with their books about kids with mental or physical illness. This book was a favorite from the moment I began to listen to it on Audible. I laughed, I cried, and I related to the characters in a way other books fell short. I saw the movie shortly after finishing the book, and let me just say that while I absolutely adored the cast, and think the movie was very well done, it’s missing some major key points towards the end. If you want to leave the story without a massive hole in your heart – read the book!

The Thousand Floor / The Dazzling Heights / The Towering Sky / Katherine McGee ★★★★

If you like futuristic books with a side of Gossip Girl-esque teen drama and unresolved endings, you’ll enjoy this trilogy. I was totally into the storyline, but I did wish that they had ended a bit differently. Not that the ending sucked or anything, but I just wanted a bit more considering I’d invested my time into three books. Basically, they were good, but I wouldn’t necessarily re-read them when I’m desperate for an “old friend” in the form of a book or series.

Get your hands on these books!


Related Posts
15 Books to Add to Your Reading List in 2019 // 40 Books I Loved in 2018

Have you read any of these books? Tell me your thoughts.

In: Lifestyle · Tagged: 2019 books, big magic, book review, books, books i read in spring and summer, crazy rich asians, finale, five feet apart, spring reads, summer 2019, summer reads, the late bloomers' club, the thousandth floor, the wedding date, to all the boys i loved before, uninvited, when life gives you lululemons

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Jordyn Sifferman
5 years ago

I’ve read a few of the books on your list as well. I thought To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before was crazy cute and Crazy Rich Asians was such a fun page turner.

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Jordyn Sifferman

Crazy Rich Asians had me hooked like crazy, which was surprising because I wasn’t a massive fan of the movie – whereas the opposite can be said for To All The Boys I Loved Before. I adored the movie and I’ve seen it several times, but the book – while darling – hasn’t held my attention quite as much. Maybe I’ll like it more once I finish all three books!

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Hillary Conheady
5 years ago

I love this round up! I definitely need to try listening to audio books!

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Hillary Conheady

Audiobooks have become really beneficial for me during my busy life. I can listen while I edit photos or scroll on Instagram or send emails during work. Or I can listen in the car or while I’m cleaning or at night before bed. I love the convenience!

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Jasmine Vargas
5 years ago

I’ve decided to switch to audiobooks versus actually reading because I forget sometimes about my kindle. Being able to listen to it in the car while driving is nice. A few of these books are on my reading list.

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Jasmine Vargas

I think audiobooks are wonderful! There’s still nothing quite like opening a fresh book (I’m one of those weird bookworms who loves the scent of new books haha) but it’s nice to have the option to listen rather than focus entirely on reading.

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rebecca
5 years ago

ooooh lots of these are ones I have been meaning to read! Need to save this list for later.

xx rebecca

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  rebecca

For sure! I hope you get a chance to sit down with one (or most) of them and see what you think!

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Nina
5 years ago

I love your honest reviews about these! I have read Crazy Rich Asians and loved it, but I have a few more I need to read now!

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Nina

I loved Crazy Rich Asians. It definitely lived up to the hype! You’ll have to check out some of the others that I enjoyed, for sure!

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Morgan
5 years ago

I love Lysa Terkeurst! The Best Yes was my first read of hers and I loved it! Will need to read this one!

-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Morgan

Oooh I haven’t read that one! I’ll have to check it out next! I adored Uninvited. It was really really wonderful and helpful for the way I view life and my faith!

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Taylor
5 years ago

I read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before a few years ago and really enjoyed it. By the time I saw the movie I didn’t remember too much of the differences so I liked both! I actually just read The Wedding Party (same author of The Wedding Date) and both fell flat for me too, I was waiting for more plot and instead, there was just a lot of sex.
I love reading and a few of these have been on my list for a while, now I just need to pick them up!

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Taylor

Mmm that might make a difference. I felt like after seeing the movie, the book’s storyline seemed out of order to me – and it included things from the second book, so I was really confused by the time I started reading the second. But now I’m almost done with the second book and I guess I’ll have to see what I think after the third! Ahh good to know about that one particular author. I guess that’s something that a lot of people enjoy in books, but while I don’t mind it – I want the plot to be fascinating and grip me so that the sex makes sense, rather than it just being sex for the sake of sex haha!

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lee
5 years ago

oo thank you for the honest review on when life gives you lululemons! I’ve been seeing it EVERYWHERE lately; and I wasnt sure if I should bother. I think ill pass on it! Thanks!
Lee

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  lee

I really wanted to love it since I loved the original book SO much. But it felt kinda contrived and forced to me. Maybe I still need to finish it to see it kinda work itself out, but we shall see haha!

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Morgan
5 years ago

This is so inspiring! I’ve been trying to get myself in the habit of reading more this summer, too. Great tip on To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, I’ve actually had that in my Netflix list but will wait to watch it until I read the book first.

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Morgan

Definitely read the book first and then let me know what you think. I almost ALWAYS read the book first and then watch the movie, and now that I’m looking back on my list, I see I didn’t do that with two of the stories and that altered my opinions some. But I will say, I adored the movie to bits and pieces. Best chick flick I’ve watched in literal YEARS.

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Kristen
5 years ago

Crazy Rich Asians was such a good find. I love that you showed you Audible as a place to get really great finds as well. I use it and I get thru a book a week. As a busy mom it is the only way to get thru my needed reads.

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kristen

There you go! Audible has become really beneficial for me. I’m getting ready to go clean someone’s house today, and I have a feeling I’ll completely finish the book I just began – and I love that. I’ve been able to read so much more!

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Lizzie
5 years ago

Such great picks! I’ve been wanting to start the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy! So sad to hear When Life Gives You Lulus was disappointing! But honestly, can anything top the Devil Wears Prada? haha!

Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Lizzie

I think you’d really enjoy Crazy Rich Asians. It had so much more DRAMA in the books than in the movies – which I lived for. It really sucked me in and I loved how each book kind of focused on a different character, primarily, but still included all the favorites. As far as When Life Gives You Lululemons – I was disappointed. The Devil Wears Prada is a classic (book and movie) and I really hoped for more from the sequel!

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Carolyn
5 years ago

Some of these I’ve read and some of these are new to me! I didn’t know sick-lit was a thing! I saw the preview for “Five Feet Apart” and to be honest, I don’t really watch these “sick-lit” movies, but you’re making me want to try the book!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Carolyn

Ahh I’m weirdly obsessed with sick-lit. I think that began when I first watched “A Walk to Remember” in middle school. From there I became obsessed with “The Fault in Our Stars” and “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” (all sick-lit books). So I knew I would cave and read this eventually. I adored it – and the movie too. The book had me really feeling a lot of feelings, especially since I relate to so many of the sick themes, but the movie made me cry insanely hard. If you like a good cry, that’s where it’s at haha.

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Kelsie
5 years ago

I also loved Uninvited! I also did an entire Bible study with it a year ago!!

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kelsie

That’s amazing! I could imagine it was a really great book to include in a Bible study. It was certainly convicting for me!

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Kileen
5 years ago

Loved reading what you thought of these books! Going to have to add a few of these to my list, especially want to read Five Feet Apart!

Kileen
cute & little

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kileen

Five Feet Apart definitely holds a special place in my heart. I actually read it while dealing with a gastroparesis flare-up, so I felt like I related so much to so many of the typical “sick-lit” elements. Make sure to read the book before seeing the movie though, so the ending isn’t as hard for you!

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Indya | The Small Adventurer
5 years ago

I read the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy in a week and loved them, but I have been told that watching the movies skews your view, so I’ll have to keep an open mind when I finally watch the movie so that my love of the book doesn’t spoil it for me! I’ve also heard GREAT things about Crazy Rich Asians, which is currently waiting on my shelf to me to pick up. I haven’t seen that movie either, so hopefully I like them both!

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Indya | The Small Adventurer

I’ve heard so many people say they loved the books growing up – but since I watched the movie first, I think I’m partial to it. For me, the storyline in the books got confusing because in the movie they’re in a different order – and the order kinda made more sense. Plus Peter is WAY more lovable in the movie than in the books. They kinda make him off to be a rude, haughty guy in the books, in my opinion! But definitely read Crazy Rich Asians first. I looooved the drama of those books.

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Erin
5 years ago

I’ll have to check these out for my book club! I started one with the ladies in my neighborhood in Midlo and it’s so so so fun!

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Jackie
5 years ago

Id love to read the Five Feet Apart! I’ll check it out when I’m finished with my Liane Moriarty book!

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Tara Fuller
5 years ago

when life gives you lululemons was the sequel i knew never i wanted, I LOVED it and reading from emily’s perspective. I also read all three crazy rich asians within about a week – they were too cute! Five Feet Apart really got me, since I take care of those patients. It’s pretty spot on and all the more heart wrenching. Starting Caraval bc of you!

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Tanvi Rastogi
5 years ago

I have read most of the books on your list. Will have to check out Five Feet Apart soon.

❥ tanvii.com

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Amanda
5 years ago

I totally agree with when life gives you lululemons… I was so excited for it, and then I just felt like it was kinda meh

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Tonya Morris
5 years ago

I’m a huge bookworm too! I love how you rated each book. I need to try some of these!

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Nataly
5 years ago

I am in a book club now, so I am hoping that it will re-spark my interest in reading. I love your in depth reviews here. I am definitely going to be checkout out a couple of these books.

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Becky
5 years ago

I’m a librarian so I love hearing what people are reading about! I read Caraval but wasn’t sure if I liked it enough to continue with the sequels… I’ve been burned by triologies before so I get nervous haha! But if you’re satisfied with the ending I might give the other two a try.

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Kelsey
5 years ago

Crazy Rich Asians TOTALLY gets better as you go through the series. I’m so excited for the movies because they did such a good job staying authentic with the first one.

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Ashley
5 years ago

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing these. I wish I had more to say about them. But I hadn’t heard of any of them!! I’m now leaving here with some ideas thought. XOXO

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Renee
5 years ago

Oh man another great post for books! I haven’t read a lot this summer I’ve been more into audible books because I can do other things while listening.

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Oh to Be a Muse
5 years ago

These aren’t really the types of books that I read, which is probably why I haven’t read any of them, although I have heard of a few of them. Thanks for your honest opinion of the Lululemons book. I keep seeing that one everywhere. And I agree, I just got back into audiobooks and they make life so easy. I just “read” a book by listening to it while working it. So awesome. Feel free to check out books I’ve read by going to my site and searching “books” 🙂

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Brooke
5 years ago

I have been looking for some good book recommendations and your list was just what I needed! Thanks!

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Monica
5 years ago

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Crazy Rich Asians are both on my read list! (And yes, I have watched both of the movies already… 🙂 ) Glad to hear you enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians as a book, too!

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Candace Hampton
5 years ago

I’m gonna bookmark this post, ’cause I’m planning to buy 1 at least per month. I really excited to start with Crazy Rich Asians. I haven’t watched the movie yet. I don’t want to watch it until I finish the book. Thanks for sharing!

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Greta
5 years ago

I really need to be better about reading. I’m always on my phone or computer working on something! Thanks for the list!

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Morgan Tyner
5 years ago

I’ve definitely considered reading Crazy Rich Asians! Now this post has really got me wanting to!! 🤩 Also — audible really is so so nice!
Xx, Morgs

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Katie Meshko
5 years ago

Thanks for sharing all of these! I really need to get back into reading! Also your home is so cute!!!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com

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Kait | Slumber & Scones
5 years ago

Wow, you have been busy reading all these books! I have tried audio books a few times, but I find it hard to focus on the book. A lot of these books are new to me, and I like how honest and thorough you are in your reviews!

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Rachel
5 years ago

I love, love, love this honest review of the books you’ve read lately and am now second guessing some of the books that were on my list! I am definitely trying to read the Late Bloomers Club though, let me know what you think!

Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com

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Taylor Mobley
5 years ago

I loved to all the boys I’ve loved before!!! SUCH a good movie and the book was even better.

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Alexis
5 years ago

I always love reading about what others are reading and hearing their thoughts on the books. Just a few of these are on my list to read. Late winter/early spring I was doing so good about reading and with the craziness of summer, I’ve neglected it. Hoping to cross some more books off my list this fall/winter.

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Deborah
5 years ago

I LOVE Audible! I actually canceled my subscription because I’ve been using my library’s audiobook services but I may re-up my Audible account again because some books I want to borrow at the library have a really long waitlist!
I’m so glad that my friend’s review was what made you want to pick up Late Bloomers Club! It’s really cute, and I hope you’ll love it!

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Ashley Hargrove
5 years ago

I’ve been looking for a new book to start and am definitely going to check out some of your recommendations! I need to try Audible too! I always like holding a physical book but on vacations that makes packing lightly a little difficult!

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Jamaria Johnson
5 years ago

I’m impressed with how many books you have read! I seriously need to do a better job at this! Thanks for the suggestions. XO

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Laura Leigh
5 years ago

I am shocked you didn’t like When Life Gives You Lululemons – I absolutely loved it! Definitely got better towards the end but found it to be very entertaining. Definitely a different story line then the Devil Wears Prada though. Also, LOVED Crazy Rich Asians and that whole series. I’ve been dying to read Five Feet Apart so definitely jumping on that ASAP! Glad you loved it!

xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com

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Laura S
5 years ago

These all sound so good! I have been looking for a new book to get into and these are definitely going on my list!

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Anna English
5 years ago

I tend to only read when I’m on vacation! Surprisingly I’ve read both Uninvited and TATBILB from your list.

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Helena Marz
5 years ago

OMG all of these books look fun to read and I feel like I’m missing out! Those are my kind of books I would love to read and will be checking them out! Need to get back to reading again❤️

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Riah
5 years ago

Great read! Out of all the books, only three caught my attention: All the boys I’ve loved before, five feet apart and crazy rich asians. I had no idea that two of them were also books. I need to update my reading list for sure!

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roxy
5 years ago

I LOVED The Wedding Date and The Late Bloomers Club! Both are perfect reads for Summer, light and funny with moments of poignancy.

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Yukti Agrawal
5 years ago

Great list of books for spring and summer. I have not read any one of them but would love to read Crazy Rich Asians as on it there is famous movie too. The Wedding Date too looks interesting. Thanks for sharing wonderful list.

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Marlene
5 years ago

The whole Crazy Rich Asians series was SOOOOO good! I will check out some of these others. I’m surprised you didn’t like Big Magic, I liked that one a lot.

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Nina
5 years ago

I love your honest reviews about these! I have read Crazy Rich Asians and loved it, but I have a few more I need to read now!

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Nina

I loved Crazy Rich Asians. It definitely lived up to the hype! You’ll have to check out some of the others that I enjoyed, for sure!

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Jasmine Vargas
5 years ago

I’ve decided to switch to audiobooks versus actually reading because I forget sometimes about my kindle. Being able to listen to it in the car while driving is nice. A few of these books are on my reading list.

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Jasmine Vargas

I think audiobooks are wonderful! There’s still nothing quite like opening a fresh book (I’m one of those weird bookworms who loves the scent of new books haha) but it’s nice to have the option to listen rather than focus entirely on reading.

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Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

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How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

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#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Are there any book small towns you’d like to liv Are there any book small towns you’d like to live in? 📍

I think I’d sell a kidney to live in Inglewild 😂 Small towns give me such happiness and this one seems especially cozy and filled with so many entertaining people 🙈

I kinda wish this series would last forever, but simultaneously, I just live for ANYTHING BK Borison writes 😍 I adored First Time Caller as well and can’t wait for more of that story to unfold! 📖

Have you read any of this author’s books? 🤎 

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#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover #booksmalltowns #smalltownbooks cozy read, romance books, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Have you already read any of your most anticipated Have you already read any of your most anticipated books this year? 😍

I felt like I was counting down the days to Oathbound and Sunrise on the Reaping—and both of them definitely lived up to my expectations (best feeling ever)! 🙌🏼

Now to fully immerse myself in some of my fantasy ARCs and continue listening to EmHen’s latest! 🤎

Were any of these on your 2025 TBR? 📚

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#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read
Who are some of your favorite book siblings? 📖 Who are some of your favorite book siblings? 📖

I really love getting the chance to see a great sibling dynamic in a book—especially in fantasy, and *especially especially* if they work together! 🤝🏼

Unseelie had the most interesting twins in it and I loved seeing their similarities, their differences, and how they used both throughout the story! 🤎

Have you read this one yet? ✨

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Have any books taken you by surprise lately, and i Have any books taken you by surprise lately, and if so, which ones? 😳
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I tend not to stray very far from my comfort zone of fantasy and fluffy romance, but I recently read WE’LL PRESCRIBE YOU A CAT, a translated novel about a magical mental health clinic that loans out cats to their patients. 🐈 It was absolutely fantastic in every way and became my first 5-star read of the year (outside of my rereads). 🙌🏼 
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Magical realism has always been a favorite genre of mine, but I usually struggle a lot with translated books. 😅 It was such a treat to immerse myself in this story and I can’t wait to read the sequel soon! 📖
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What was your last 5-star read? ⭐️ 
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozyaesthetic #translatedbooks #magicalrealism #wellprescribeyouacat #berkleybooks books | japanese novel | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
Did you discover any new (or new-to-you) authors i Did you discover any new (or new-to-you) authors in the past year? ☕️
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I know they say “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be real… we all do it! 😂 When I saw the cover for The Lovers, I was instantly obsessed—and then I read the synopsis! I knew I needed it in my life right away, and I wasn’t disappointed. 🤎
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This book is full of self-discovery, sapphic sweetness, and some truly hilarious moments that had me laughing til my stomach hurt. 🙌🏼 I loved every minute of it and about burst into tears when @berkleypub sent me a copy! 🥹
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Rebekah’s storytelling was fantastic and I can’t wait to read her upcoming book, The Sun and the Moon, when it comes out in August! 📖
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Is this a title you’ve picked up or added to your TBR? 📚
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyaesthetic #theloversbook books | sapphic books | queer books | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
Are there any series you’re hoping to finish thi Are there any series you’re hoping to finish this year? 📚
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Typically, I’m someone who flies through series and prioritizes finishing them as soon as I possibly can. However, over the last few years, I’ve done a poor job completing all of the series I start, so I’m trying to make it a goal to finish them up! 👏🏼
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Some series that I’ve got on my list to finish:
📖 Girls of Paper and Fire
📖 Legacy of Orïsha (especially with the adaptation news!)
📖 Beasts of Prey
📖 The Inheritance Cycle
📖 The Atlas
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I’ve also got several that I’d like to start… but that’s another story entirely. 🙈
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Have you read any of these? 🤎
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyaesthetic #fantasybooks books | book series | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
Tell me just ONE of your auto-buy authors! 🫡
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I read The Charm Offensive a few years ago and instantly fell in love with Alison’s writing and the way the book made me feel so seen. 🥰 
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When I got an ARC of Kiss Her Once for Me, I was thrilled and once again inhaled the book. Yet again, it was a story that made me feel understood. 🥹
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I pretty much sobbed my way through Here We Go Again on audio and immediately purchased a physical copy so I could put myself through both the heartache and deep belly laughing again and again. 😅
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@alisoncochrun is forever and ever going to be an auto-buy author for me. 🤎
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Have you read any of these books? 📚
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyaesthetic #alisoncochrun books | sapphic books | queer books | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
What are five books or five series you find yourse What are five books or five series you find yourself constantly recommending? 🖐🏼
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TODAY IS MY 5TH BOOKSTAVERSARY! ☕️
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In honor of five years in this community, I wanted to share five books and five series I’m always recommending. These are stories that mean so much to me that I just wish everyone I encounter would read and love them too! 🥰
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FIVE STANDALONE BOOKS:
📖 The Nature of Witches
📖 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
📖 The Midnight Library
📖 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
📖 Echo North
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FIVE SERIES:
📚 Shadow and Bone
📚 Shades of Magic
📚 The Prison Healer
📚 The All Souls Trilogy
📚 Bright Falls
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I have so many more that I could share, but these are just a few that have made my life a little brighter 🤎
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When is your bookstaversary? 🤔
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #booksbooksbooks #cozyaesthetic #bookstaversary books | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes
Are you planning any rereads this year? 🔁
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Rereading is something that I absolutely love to do. While there are countless new releases to get excited about, there’s something incredibly comforting about revisiting my favorite books. 🥹
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One of my favorite series to reread is SHADES OF MAGIC. Nothing gets me quite as excited and emotional as those opening words: “Kell wore a very peculiar coat…” 🙌🏼 AH! Just writing that makes me anxious to pick up this comfort series again this year. 🙈
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Have you read this phenomenal series? 📚
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#cozyvibes #coffeeandbooks #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #shadesofmagic #cozyaesthetic #adarkershadeofmagic #veschwabfeatures #adsomfeatures #adsom books | v.e. schwab | book flatlay | cozy book aesthetic | book recommendations | coffee and books | cozy vibes | adsom | a darker shade of magic

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