Stephanie

Six May 2024 Books on my Summer TBR

Summer reading is here! Summer reading is here!

I love reading year round, but there is just something about summer reading. Mornings feel more luxurious without needing to hustle a kiddo out the door to school, and I can allow myself extra book time before I start my work-from-home day. I spend many weekend mornings at adult swim at our local pool, which I have really come to love and look forward to. It seems each time I go, everyone there has their nose in a book (or a Kindle!) Last, I just love the summer releases that get me so excited to pick up my library holds – seasonal destinations, rich people behaving badly, scary horror (especially haunted house stories), innovative thrillers that keep me up past my bedtime, and sweet and cozy rom-coms that make my heart happy.

My summer reading list is quickly approaching sixty titles, so to make things a bit more manageable I thought I would break it down into publication month and share a few from each smaller list.

First up, let’s take a look at titles published in May of this year that caught my eye and found their way to my Summer 2024 shelf.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Lucy vacations at Prince Edward Island and meets local Felix, with whom she has incredible chemistry. But Felix is her best friend’s younger brother and there are many reasons they shouldn’t be together.

I enjoyed Fortune’s previous two summer titles, rating them four stars each.

The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen

A woman searches for the truth after receiving a text from her ex who vanished and has been presumed dead for several years.

My search for incredible thrillers continues. I am generally harder on this genre than others, and many thrillers let me down.

When She Was Me by Marlee Bush

Cassie and Lenora are the sole permanent residents of Cabin 2 in an isolated Tennessee campground. When a teenager camping in the neighboring cabin goes missing, they must find out what happened while reliving their own pasts.

In the summer, I will read just about anything set at a camp or campground…especially if it’s in the thriller or horror genres.

The Family Experiment by John Marrs

For those who are desperate to have families, thanks to the wonders of technology a new option exists: a subscription service for a virtual child created from scratch. From this technology emerges a new game show, where families compete to raise their virtual children with the chance to keep their virtual child or risk it all for a real baby.

The One by Marrs is one of my all-time favorite thrillers – I couldn’t put it down. This plot feels very “Black Mirror”, which has me intrigued.

Oye by Melissa Mogollon

Oye is described as a “coming-of-age comedy, telenovela-worthy drama, and a moving family saga”…all things that I love in my reading. I am not sure if I will love the telephone conversation format, but I can’t wait to give it a try.

You had me at telenovela. (And the great cover art!)

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

(Have already read at time of posting.) I was so completely charmed by The Guncle when I first read it two years ago, I couldn’t wait to spend more time with a literary family I love so much. In the sequel, GUP takes his niece and nephew on a whirlwind European tour before their father’s wedding in Lake Como, Italy.

This is a family I want more, more, more of. The Guncle books have so much heart, and I adore them. Another easy five stars from me.

Are any of these titles on your summer reading list? Come chat with me on Instagram @cozylittlebrownhouse!

Our Favorite “Date Night” Games of 2023

My husband and I love our board game dates, and have found some routine with learning a new game on Sunday mornings after he makes a run to the coffee shop. On weeknights we opt for our quick favorites: games that play in under 30 minutes with a low rules overhead and fun decisions that don’t burn our overtired brains.

Sitting down over a game to chat and give ourselves a mental workout is time together we truly treasure.

Here are a few of our favorites we played in 2023. (Check out all that overlap!)

(These are games that were new-to-us in 2023, but not necessarily published in 2023.)

Our Shared Favorites:

Nidavellir (GRRRE Games)

We aren’t usually big fans of bidding games, but this mechanism is used so well in combination with set collection, we couldn’t help but fall in love with this game.

Savernake Forest (Devir)

Quick puzzly games are the way to our board gaming hearts, and once we acquired Savernake Forest at Origins in June, it quickly became one of our most-played games of the year. Creating paths of food for forest creatures is cute, cozy, and the perfect fall game. (But really, we pull this out on so many weeknights, regardless of season!)

Hens (Little Rocket Games)

An impulse buy at Origins, Hens is another quick puzzly game. This time, players lay out hen breed cards in a grid to maximize their scores. There is definitely some luck in the draw, but for a quick game like this it hasn’t bothered us.

Wingspan (Stonemaier Games)

We might be the last board gamers on the planet to play the smash hit Wingspan, but once we did, we instantly discovered its appeal. We also played Wingspan Asia (the two-player version which adds another small board with goals) but won’t keep that one in our collection.

Miyabi (Haba)

Haba makes a boatload of popular children’s games, but its family line has some genuine winners for even adult-only play. Miyabi isn’t just one of our favorite Haba games, it’s one of our favorite hidden gem games overall. This is the game I often champion now that we have played it.

Meadow (Rebel Studio)

We like everything about Meadow – the card drafting, the layering of cards, the set collection, and of course, the stunning artwork. We own the Downstream expansion and will be playing that in January.

Grand Austria Hotel (Lookout Games)

We love a nice medium-weight Euro, and finally bought a used copy of Grand Austria Hotel at Origins in June. We love drafting, and particularly love dice drafting, so using the dice rolls in this game is very rewarding for converting restaurant guests to hotel patrons. (Even as money management continues to give us issues in this game!)

Beer & Bread (Deep Print Games)

We rarely impulse buy games, but that’s exactly what we did at the Capstone Games booth at Origins when Brian picked up Beer & Bread. Designer Scott Almes tend to be hit-or-miss for us, but this two-player only game is fantastic. Balancing ingredients to craft beer and bake bread and scoring your lesser product makes for really strategic game play in about 35 minutes.

Stephanie’s Picks

Forest Shuffle (Lookout Games)

Played three times during the week of Christmas, Forest Shuffle quickly found a spot on Stephanie’s list because of the boxes it ticks for her: drafting, multi-use cards, and card layering. The game plays just a smidge long, but that abrupt ending when the third winter card is drawn adds some great tension towards the bottom of the deck.

Downtown Farmers Market (Blue Orange Games)

Have we mentioned we love grid placement games? Another extremely new addition to our shelf, Downtown Farmers Market is a super quick (15 min for us) puzzle for organizing tiles of goods to score the most points from your chosen goals. So, so good. The variant for younger players is a nice way to get children involved while the original rules are meatier.

Final Girl (Van Ryder Games)

We picked up Final Girl at the Van Ryder Games booth at Origins in June, and it is the most thematic game we played this year. Playing as a heroine against The Butcher at Camp Happy Trails created such a creepy and fun gaming experience for the two of us. Final Girl may be a solo game, but playing it cooperatively worked extremely well for us.

Brian’s Picks

Isle of Cats (The City of Games)

Another popular game we are late to playing, Isle of Cats balances card play and polyomino placement very well. The family variant included in the rules allows for younger children to play more easily as well.

3 Ring Circus (Devir)

Our first official review game for The Family Gamers, we played quite a bit of 3 Ring Circus when we received our copy. Assembling the best circus and traveling the United States to outperform Barnum made for a challenging experience.

For all sorts of fun board game content, follow me on Instagram at BrownHouseBoardGames.

Favorite Things of 2023

The year has passed in somewhat of a blur, but there have definitely been some standout experiences and products that have made life great. Here’s what tops my list for 2023:

Ethique

In the early spring I embarked on a quest to find shampoo and conditioner bars as a means of eliminating plastic bottles and having something easier to pack for our carry-on only travels. (I already use bar soap.) I came across Ethique and haven’t looked back. After trying several of the company’s products I have a few favorites now, particularly the green facial bar and the sweet and spicy shampoo bar. I have a small order of travel size products en route to my house as I type this blog post. Ethique has a fantastic rewards program that allows you to earn points with each order.

You can use my link to try them out! https://prz.io/xN0eqpYs0sKt4tq4ab

Pacifica

I started using Pacifica products last year, ordering and trying everything from makeup to face wash to body sprays. After my second large order this year, the company is now a definite favorite. Some of my personal favorites include: Pink Nudes Mineral Eyeshadow, Vanilla Hair & Body Spray, Gardenia Hair & Body Spray, Glow Baby Eye Bright Cream, and Future Youth Time Shift Serum. I have several more products to try out in the coming months, too!

Disney Dreamlight Valley

After a lengthy hiatus from playing video games, this fall I got back into cozy gaming on Xbox GamePass. The game that has stolen most of my gaming hours has easily been Disney Dreamlight Valley. It’s low stakes, low stress, and fun to play. Rebuilding the valley, welcoming characters back to their homes, and completing (generally simple) quests for them has been a pleasantly relaxing way to spend some free time.

Portugal

We spent a month in Portugal this past spring, and it was truly one of the best experiences of our lives. To be able to share extended time in another country with our 7-year-old, making memories and exploring new places, was incredible. Portugal is an amazing place that we miss (and talk about) almost daily.

The Duo Multi-Angle Viewing Stand

I wanted to purchase a tablet stand for reading my Kindle in bed, and after a bit of research I decided upon The Duo. I can’t even describe how much this has improved my reading experience with my Kindle, because it allows me to prop it on my lap while seated on the couch and on my torso when lying in bed. Even my husband and daughter steal it to use.

Succession

Like many viewers, we tuned in every Sunday night to watch the Roy family and see what would unfold week after week. Succession has been one of our favorite viewing experiences ever, and we were constantly blown away by both the story and the talent of the entire cast.

Maple Leaf Cookies (Trader Joe’s)

My treat of the year goes to the amazing maple leaf sandwich cookies that Trader Joe’s trots out in the fall. Deliciously decadent with an ample amount of maple cream filling, no other brand I have tried even remotely compares.

Hungryroot

We started using this meal delivery service one week per month, and I have loved the variety of options available for vegans. Because you receive full products and not just specific amounts for recipes, it’s easy to adjust your order and use those credits wisely for other items. We fill in with our own produce rather than spending credits on that, and have happily tried out many recipes this year. (The service has lots of food options – not just vegan-friendly!) If you’d like to try it out, here is a link for $50 off! https://www.hungryroot.com/r/R5CCWQMK

Nespresso Machine

When we returned from Portugal, we purchased a Nespresso machine almost immediately. Brewed coffee isn’t really a thing there, so we became quite accustomed to our espressos and lattes, often consuming them throughout the day. (Preferably with treats from the vegan bakery down the street from our apartment.)

Scamanda Podcast

I love a binge-worthy-crazy-story-of-a-podcast, and Scamanda really took the cake. Amanda C. Riley lied about having cancer for almost ten years, and it’s completely bonkers (and maddening) what she got away with. Prepare to find extra chores to do just so you can keep listening.

Book Talk, etc. Podcast Patreon

After listening to the Book Talk, etc. podcast for several months, and then pondering joining my first Patreon for a couple months after that, I finally took the plunge and I am so glad I did. Tina and Renee have created such a great community, and I love all of the Discord chats and Zoom events with my fellow bookworms.

New-to-Me Cozy YouTubers

Cozy YouTube is one of my favorite places on the internet, and I was so happy to discover some new gems this year. Darling Desi, Haley Post – My Moonstone Kitchen, and CozyK all create fun and engaging content that appeals to all aspects of my cozy life: video games, cozy crafts, decorating, romanticizing the seasons, and reading. I created fall and winter/holiday playlists full of videos to enjoy from September through the end of the year.

Audiobooks

I have always liked audiobooks, but with my decade-long obsession with podcasts, listening to a book has not been my go-to method for working through my TBR. This year that changed a bit, and I became a little more focused on listening to books while lounging at the pool, walking out daughter to school, and when going to bed if I didn’t feel like holding a book. I have found that gripping stories and narration hook me, and I seek out recs that meet that criteria.

Documentaries

My documentary viewing was on the lighter side this year, but a few standouts included: LuLaRich (about MLM LuLaRoe), Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, and Class Action Park (about the wildly dangerous Action Park).

November 2023 Books Read

November was an interesting reading month with books ranging from spooky reads from my Fall 2023 TBR to starting to dip my toe into festive seasonal fare.

Nestlings by Nat Cassidy

Because this book evoked all of the dread and quiet horror of Rosemary’s Baby while still telling a unique and compelling story, I gave it five stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Garlic and the Vampire / Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen

These charming graphic novels for children were equally delightful for this adult bookworm. Sweet stories and beautiful artwork make these easy for me to recommend – our 8-year-old liked them too. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

This delightful mystery with a woodland animal cast was such a cozy and perfect fall read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cultish: The Language of Fanatacism by Amanda Montell

I learned all about cults and how language lures people to join and stay in this gripping book I listened to on audio during my fall morning and afternoon walks. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Narrow by Kate Alice Marshall

This was my first Marshall, and it definitely won’t be my last. This story of a boarding school, a sacred tradition of leaping over a dangerous river as a rite of passage, and secrets harbored made for an interesting YA read. (Even though I am not generally a reader of YA.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

The stories of two young black women in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington D.C. intertwine. The audio narration for this novel was fantastic, so I highly recommend listening. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

I love a festive cozy mystery and always try to read one during the holiday season. The Christmas tree farm setting and solid cast of characters made this one a winner for me, and I will continue in the series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers are my favorite middle grade fiction family, and I have loved all of the books in this series thus far, although this third installment does take the third spot for me in rankings. I’ll continue making my way through these in 2024. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ultimate Cozy Gift Guide

With winter (and the holidays!) quickly approaching, gifting lovely cozy items to a friend, partner, or family member is the perfect way to help them embrace hygge in the coming months.

My husband and I only exchange gifts every few years, and this year we’ll be unwrapping gifts from one another on Christmas morning. As we have been moving towards minimalism and reducing the number of belongings we own by half, we have also become much more deliberate on what comes into the house.

When I think about wishlists and things I love, I think a lot about items that truly bring me joy. These items usually enhance a hobby I love, give me an activity to do, or make my home feel cozy and special (we spend a lot of time at home) – and those items are what I add to my wish list.

For some ideas, look no further than my carefully curated list, which includes items I have purchased in the past, a few gifts I hope to receive this year, and some wonderful delights I stumbled upon during my searches this fall.

No affliation, not SEO-driven, just stuff I love.

Bookish

Kindle remote – After hearing its praises from fellow bookworms, I purchased this item for myself with a gift card I received at work. I love it for reading in bed with my arms tucked under my heated blanket, happily clicking the button and turning pages.

Device pillow – Along with my Kindle remote, I also purchased this Kindle/tablet pillow for reading on the couch or in bed. I love that it is nice and wide and features two angles – one for when reading while seated and one for lying down. My husband and daughter both steal it to use as well, so it’s been a popular purchase in our house.

Kindle case – Your favorite bookworm probably has a Kindle case, but I recently switched to an inexpensive clear case so I can swap pretty papers in and out, giving my Kindle a fresh look as I desire. (This is much more economical than buying new cases!) A clear case pairs perfectly with craft papers and stickers, so package these items together for a truly thoughtful bookish gift.

Reading journal – For note-taking, logging, and recording other reading memories, a dedicated book journal is a thoughtful gift. I really like this one and this one.

Pop Socket – Pop Sockets are a fun and customizable way for readers to comfortably hold their Kindles. There are so many great styles available – I am particularly drawn to ghosts reading books.

Book Triangle – Perfect for a nightstand or end table, the book triangle functions as a placeholder, a glasses stand, and a coaster.

Arts & Crafts

Cross stitch kits – I have gotten back into cross stitch, which is one of my favorite activities to do while watching a movie or listening to an audiobook.

Punch sewing kits – A new-to-me cozy craft I will be trying this winter is punch sewing. I picked up this inexpensive kit from Michaels. (The tool is sold separately, so I purchased one on Amazon.)

Journal (Traveler’s Notebook style) – I love the customization and classic look of a Traveler’s Notebook, but I don’t love the price tag. (I also avoid real leather.) I use an Amazon dupe and this smaller size version from Peter Pauper Press for my journaling, list-making, mini-scrapbooking, and bookish needs. I love the prices for the Peter Pauper Press products and have come to prefer its smaller size too.

Cozy coloring books – Coloring books are so nice for unwinding during times of stress, especially while listening to an audiobook or relaxing music. These are a few on my wish list: Woodland Wonder: Cozy Forest Animals, The Modern Cottage Collection, and Creative Haven Home Sweet Home.

Sticker mosaic books – My kiddo and I have had fun working on sticker mosaic books together over the years. (I have even found the ones geared towards children to be be enjoyable!) Seek out seasonal options and themes that appeal to you, and enjoy this relaxing alternative to coloring. Sticker tweezers make for easier placement, but they aren’t necessary. We are currently working on this one together.

Mildliners Highlighters – I use highlighters daily for work, and the bright flourescent colors of traditional pens are NOT my vibe. I use Mildliners instead. They make a great stocking stuffer too!

Diamond/gem painting kit – Also on my winter cozy hobby list is trying gem painting. I have played around with a small kit our daughter had, but I would like to try something larger for adults.

Gouache paint set – For my birthday in September, I decided I would like to learn to paint. I purchased this inexpensive starter set from Michaels, along with some paintbrushes and a multimedia pad. (Use a coupon and save some money!) YouTube offers a lot of instructional videos for newbies!

Random

Zipper pouches – There are so many uses for zipper pouches. Makeup, colored pencils, cozy craft items, charging cables, whatever. Everything just feels cozier when it’s tucked into a decorative pouch.

Slippers – Slippers are a must in our old drafty house with its hardwood floors, and I love the variety of seasonal designs of these.

Recipe binder – I cook…a lot. Over the years I have experimented with various storage systems, but I am going back to a recipe binder. I added this design to my Christmas wish list so I can work on organizing all the new recipes I have acquired this year.

Mugs – In our efforts to reduce our kitchen goods, I have become more focused on owning a couple seasonal mugs and then a slightly larger collection of Christmas-winter mugs. This year, I picked up the Folk Santa Mug, Red and White Critter Mug, and the Green/Red/Pink Christmas Market Mug from World Market. I also love these vintage style mugs from Amazon.

Glass can bookish mug – I have been seeing these everywhere, and requested this specific bookish glass can for my iced coffees and iced teas of summer. I think having one special glass to drink from makes each day cozy, all year long.

Candle warmer lamp – If you love candles but wish they lasted longer, a candle warmer lamp seems like a nice item to provide gentle lighting and the sweet smells of candles. I have saved this one for a potential future purchase.

Water carafe – I always take a water bottle up to bed to place on my nightstand, but I love the decorative look of a water carafe.

Have fun shopping!