You guys—the last time we checked in about books, it was October!

I had ample time in December and early this month to catch up on a normal reading routine, so I’m excited to share what’s been on my nightstand as of late with you ladies. If you’re ever in need of a book recommendation or curious about what I’m currently reading—I actively update my Goodreads account (which could be accurately described as a round up of the best chick lit books for twenty somethings).

Since I am currently reading the last Elin Hilderbrand novel until I’m all caught up, I’m in dire need of some recommendations on what to read next! I’d love to know what books you’re reading now or what books you’ve read and loved. In general, I don’t like fantasy because I have a hard time suspending my disbelief, but I’ll read just about anything else!

THE NEST // CYNTHIA D’APRIX SWEENEY

This one was on my radar for a while, since I feel like it was a huge hit this summer. Let me say, it lived up to the hype for me—and I hope the author writes more novels soon. The story follows the four adult Plumb children, all of whom presume they are to inherit their portion of their father’s nest egg when the youngest sibling turns 40. Oh but wait—one sibling’s actions drains the “nest” and the siblings have to come together and face all their problems they thought the nest would buy them out of. I thought each of the characters was so well developed, and the storyline very intriguing and fast paced. This would be a great beach read if you have a winter escape coming up—I had a hard time putting this one down.

TALKING AS FAST AS I CAN // LAUREN GRAHAM

My friend Lauren found out that Lauren Graham was coming to DC in December on the book tour or Talking As Fast As I Can, so naturally, we purchased tickets the minute—and I mean literally the minute—to go with a couple of our college friends. Hearing Lorelai Lauren talk about her book made me even more excited to read it, as I wanted to get all the behind-the-scenes on Gilmore Girls, which I knew from the talk, she dishes in the book. Though at the time, I hadn’t watched Parenthood, her book piqued my interest, and I am now a full-blown addict.

My sisters and I actually listened to the audio book of this one—she narrates!—which made it even more enjoyable since it felt like I was listening to an extended Lauren Graham interview. She writes it essay style, much like Mindy Kaling, and if you’re a Lauren Graham, Gilmore Girls, or Parenthood fan, you’ll definitely have a hard time putting it down.

SUMMER PEOPLE // ELIN HILDERBRAND

One of Hilderbrand’s older novels, this one focuses on a family of three—Beth, Winnie, and Garrett—who return to Nantucket for the first time since the patriarch of their family, Arch, died suddenly. Arch was a prominent lawyer, and took on a pro bono case where he bonded with the son of a murderer, Marcus, who also joins the trio on Nantucket that summer. Beth reconnects with her first love, who has children the same as Winnie and Garrett. The story focuses on how each member of the family processes their grief and new normal, as well as Garrett’s relationship with the daughter of Beth’s first love. While there was plenty of drama, this one wasn’t my favorite Hilderbrand novel—mostly, I think, because it focused on the two teenagers, an age group I have a harder time relating to in literature these days. But, if you’re in need of a solid—and inexpensive—snow day read, this will do the trick.

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP // MARIE KONDO

Y’all, I finally caved and read this book. I’m glad I did—though I don’t think I bought into it as much as some people. However, it did give me a new method for completely cleaning out my closet and I was able to really trim it down to a very edited collection. It’s a quick read and her methods for organizing are effective, so if one of your New Years Resolutions is to get organized, this isn’t a bad place to start!