Jess, this is my unapologetic plug for The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. As someone who has enjoyed all of the books you listed, I have a feeling you’d love Emma ;) There’s 8 books released so far with many more to come. The audiobooks are also fantastic!
Truly balm for the soul. The humor, the British terms... all of it. So, so, so good! Trying to slow down so they last longer. <3 And yes, audio is so great!
I am over halfway through "The Calamity Club" and I love it and don't want it to end! Anything by Helen Simonson or Louise Penney. "Theo of Golden," "The Road to Tenderhearts," "The Correspondent," "I See You've Called in Dead," and "My Friends" are all non-spicy and some of my recent favorites from last year :)
Hannah, love all your recs!! I have loved the spanx minimizer bra. Currently nursing so def going to try the freya bra recommended above - have been wearing the kindred bravely but I still feel so self conscious in a tighter shirt and need more shape if anyone has any other recs!
Hannah! Thanks so much for the clothes for larger chests! And thanks for the rec on a good follow for undergarments! Do you have a good sports bra recommendation?
I have had great success with Aerie for lower impact everyday sports bras and SheFit for high-impact like a workout or run. But I wouldn't say I've found my die-hard favorite...if I do, I will write about it again! - Hannah
Go get fitted for a bra at Nordstrom! It’s usually older ladies there with lots of experience who can often tell your size just by looking! In my experience they’ve done a thorough measurement and have brought many options that work! The architecture might be bulkier than you’d hoped but Nordstrom still carries pretty sexy bras in larger sizes- Natori is one I’ve gotten. Nothing like a well fitting bra to make you realize you can look beautiful and be secure all at once! (And don’t sleep on Nordstrom’s big sales!)
I’m giggling about the Instagram post regarding load-bearing architecture for large-chested women.
I got fitted for an underwire nursing bra and it’s a been huge change that’s helped me feel more confident! Watch for UK/US sizing and definitely get professionally fitted (my sizes changed a ton) but the Freya underwire nursing bra has been a win for me!
The built-in community is one of our favorite reasons for choosing our neighborhood public school! And walking there and back adds even more sweetness to the deal -- it's so much easier to meet people and deepen relationships when you're walking the same routes every day.
Jess, if you love light and funny books with a FANTASTIC reader, try the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series. The first book is One for the Money. The 32nd one comes out later this year. (So you would have LOTS to look forward to!) They are hilarious! My husband and I even listen to them on car trips!
I also enjoyed Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P Manansala. This is the first of the series. The main character is a chef so LOTS of fun food references plus humor and a touch of mystery!
Kate, I just recently read your book, and I wanted to thank you! Thank you for speaking truth and giving wisdom to a 62 year old mom and grandmother! I love how you helped me to shift my mindset at the end of each chapter! I recommended your book to my daughter and daughter in law! Please keep writing and sharing!
Jess, this is my unapologetic plug for The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. As someone who has enjoyed all of the books you listed, I have a feeling you’d love Emma ;) There’s 8 books released so far with many more to come. The audiobooks are also fantastic!
Chloe! Thank you I will add these to my list! -Jess
+1 for Emma!!
Truly balm for the soul. The humor, the British terms... all of it. So, so, so good! Trying to slow down so they last longer. <3 And yes, audio is so great!
Couldn’t agree more! And in fact I’d say the audiobook is a priority because the woman who narrates is a genius with voices
Wholeheartedly agree! :) Glad to know there’s other Emma fans here!
I totally thought this was going to be the series she talked about and was so surprised it wasn’t!
You've all got me so excited to read these! -Jess
I was coming to comment the same series!! And YES to the audio. The narrator is fantastic and I FLEW through all 8 books.
I appreciate any non-spicy book recs.
I am over halfway through "The Calamity Club" and I love it and don't want it to end! Anything by Helen Simonson or Louise Penney. "Theo of Golden," "The Road to Tenderhearts," "The Correspondent," "I See You've Called in Dead," and "My Friends" are all non-spicy and some of my recent favorites from last year :)
“…don’t look like one giant AirPod” made me laugh OUT LOUD!!
She is too funny 😂
Hannah, thank you for your section about being #blessed! I’ve never felt more seen. 😂
Yes girl! We have to stick together!! - Hannah
Yes!!!
Hannah, love all your recs!! I have loved the spanx minimizer bra. Currently nursing so def going to try the freya bra recommended above - have been wearing the kindred bravely but I still feel so self conscious in a tighter shirt and need more shape if anyone has any other recs!
Oooh I'll have to try this! - Hannah
Hannah! Thanks so much for the clothes for larger chests! And thanks for the rec on a good follow for undergarments! Do you have a good sports bra recommendation?
I have had great success with Aerie for lower impact everyday sports bras and SheFit for high-impact like a workout or run. But I wouldn't say I've found my die-hard favorite...if I do, I will write about it again! - Hannah
Go get fitted for a bra at Nordstrom! It’s usually older ladies there with lots of experience who can often tell your size just by looking! In my experience they’ve done a thorough measurement and have brought many options that work! The architecture might be bulkier than you’d hoped but Nordstrom still carries pretty sexy bras in larger sizes- Natori is one I’ve gotten. Nothing like a well fitting bra to make you realize you can look beautiful and be secure all at once! (And don’t sleep on Nordstrom’s big sales!)
This is FANTASTIC!!! - Hannah
Re: Hannah’s section
I’m giggling about the Instagram post regarding load-bearing architecture for large-chested women.
I got fitted for an underwire nursing bra and it’s a been huge change that’s helped me feel more confident! Watch for UK/US sizing and definitely get professionally fitted (my sizes changed a ton) but the Freya underwire nursing bra has been a win for me!
I've never tried a nursing bra with underwire but I will totally be investing in one for any future pregnancies. Thank you for the tip! - Hannah
Jess, Courtney Walsh is great for that category! Easy reads and low or no spice. 😊
Thank you so much, Cassie! I just placed a few on hold on Libby so thank you! -Jess
I second Courtney Walsh! Also love everything by Nicole Deese in similar category/style.
The built-in community is one of our favorite reasons for choosing our neighborhood public school! And walking there and back adds even more sweetness to the deal -- it's so much easier to meet people and deepen relationships when you're walking the same routes every day.
Jess, if you love light and funny books with a FANTASTIC reader, try the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series. The first book is One for the Money. The 32nd one comes out later this year. (So you would have LOTS to look forward to!) They are hilarious! My husband and I even listen to them on car trips!
I also enjoyed Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P Manansala. This is the first of the series. The main character is a chef so LOTS of fun food references plus humor and a touch of mystery!
You had me at 32 book series! Thank you, Paige!
They are short (300ish pages/7-8 hour audiobooks), fun reads and she comes out with one a year!
I’d highly recommend Carley Fortune books. They’re a little more steamy, but very good!
I have read a few and like her! -Jess
Kate, I just recently read your book, and I wanted to thank you! Thank you for speaking truth and giving wisdom to a 62 year old mom and grandmother! I love how you helped me to shift my mindset at the end of each chapter! I recommended your book to my daughter and daughter in law! Please keep writing and sharing!
Suzanne :)
I am almost done reading Dolly and I don't want it to end. I haven't smiled this much reading in a long long time!
Goodness I felt the same way! I dragged it way longer than the others because I couldn't bear it ending. I hope they turn it into a movie! -Jess
Jess, Things you Save in a Fire is another great Katherine Center book.
Yes! Reading this one in the coming weeks! -Jess
I love your podcast. I listened when it originally came out and will be listening again!
Thank you so much, Ashley!!