7 books we’re loving now
Fiction
Little Big Love by Katy Regan “I was in need of a good cry after an exhausting week, so when I heard that this book was being billed as About a Boy meets Parenthood, I grabbed a box of tissues and dove in,” shares Patty Bontekoe, FIRST home director. Single mom Juliet has never told her son, Zac, the truth about why his father, Liam, left. But as Zac’s 11th birthday approaches, he starts asking a lot of questions. When curiosity strikes, Zac embarks on a search to find his dad. Told from the points of view of Zac, Juliet and her dad, Mick, the true story unfolds. “My heart went out to Zac as I rooted for him to find his father, but I also connected to the other characters as I learned their stories,” says Patty. “While I did need all of those tissues, I also found myself laughing out loud. From the first page to the last page, it was such a heartfelt, cathartic tale.” (Berkley, 2018; Hardcover $26, Kindle $13, Nook $13)
Self-help
Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee
“Lately I’ve been working long hours, and when I walk into my house, I feel even more blah,” admits
Maggie Dillard,
FIRST editorial assistant. “After telling a friend about this, she let me borrow Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book Joyful, which talks about how the atmosphere around us has a significant effect on our emotional and mental states.” In this easy-to-read guide, the renowned designer offers insight using psychology and neuroscience research to explain why certain environments— including our own!—can make us feel anxious while others can provide motivation and joy. She doles out smart, easy tips, like adding bright, saturated colors to bring energy to a space and tricks for finding joy in ordinary and beloved items. “Taking Ingrid’s advice, I added cheery pops of color and some ‘joyful’ décor throughout my home,” says Maggie. “Now when I walk in, I feel so uplifted!” (Little, Brown Spark, 2018; Hardcover $28, Kindle $15, Nook $15)
Contemporary romance
Accidental Tryst by Natasha Boyd “While waiting for a recent flight, I spied this rom-com novel that happens to begin in an airport, so I swiped it up!” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST senior editor. Trystan Montgomery and Emmy DuBois notice each other in an airport but don’t meet. As Emmy rushes to her flight, she mistakenly grabs someone else’s phone—and it happens to be Trystan’s. What follows is a series of phone tag, emails and texting as the pair try to keep their schedules intact until they can connect. “The plot was a modern version of You’ve Got Mail, only steamier,” says Melissa. “And the chemistry and banter stole my heart!” (CreateSpace, 2018; Paperback $13, Kindle $4, Nook $4)