To all the books I've loved before (the next round of editing begins).
A peek inside my writing process, plus a handful of books that I've read so far in 2025 — and would recommend if you're looking for a quick romcom, heavy feels, or some nonfiction learnin' action.
This is the week I stop reading…for a little while, at least. Allow me to explain.
First, I need to let you in on a little behind-the-scenes action of what the process looks like for me as I work my way to another finished novel.
In March, I submitted draft one of book two (out in 2026!) to my editor. She reads it, marinates for a bit, and then sends me what’s called an editorial memo. These are all her ideas to make the book stronger. We have a chat with my agent about the ideas — agree on some things, table others — and then I get to work making things happen.
That’s the part we’re at now: Kate has to make things happen. That means nights sequestered once kids are bathed and in bed. It means every free weekend moment spent at a coffee shop, tapping away at the keyboard. And it means taking very strategically timed days off from my day job.
It also means I stop reading for pleasure. Seriously. And it’s not just for logistical reasons surrounding my complete lack of free time.
I simply cannot read other books — fiction or nonfiction — while in a serious writing or editing phase with my own works. My brain does not like to consume the creative worlds of others while trying to sort through the one I’m building for myself. TV and movies are both a struggle for me, too.
I learned all this the hard way with GRACIE, when I would take a day or two break from writing/editing, pick up a book, and struggle to make it through a single page. Or, my husband would ask what I wanted to watch, and not only did nothing sound good (kinda normal), but the thought of paying attention and consuming anything felt like torture (not exactly normal).
So, before I head into my temporary reading dead zone, I wanted to share the books I’ve loved so far in 2025. Fingers crossed that by mid-June I’ll be back to lazy Sunday afternoons on my patio with a margarita in one hand and a great book in the other!
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy | Moody, atmospheric, and truly captivating. I don’t usually enjoy climate disaster books, but this one felt different and kept me engaged from start to finish. The setting truly feels like another character.
Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith | I read this book in just a few days and couldn’t stop thinking about the perfectly imperfect family that Jennifer created. This is the classic ‘you’ll laugh, you’ll cry’ book.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall | The mixed timeline and dual love story had me hooked from the start. The rural England setting was so beautifully constructed — I felt utterly transported reading this one.
Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid | A tenderly written romance that goes all in on high-stakes adventure. The dual timeline really got to me — the story of first love had me in my feelings almost as much as the second chance.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins | If you can believe it, this is my first Hunger Games book…and I really enjoyed it! I don’t read a lot of YA, but love the opportunity to read something in tandem with my daughter. Already counting down the days until the movie comes out in 2026.
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green | The honest truth is that I would read just about anything by John, but this one is truly exceptional. I learned so much about TB and had so many assumptions challenged about it. It’s a quick read, too, if you’re looking for a nonfiction book that won’t take long to finish.
Only Yesterday by Frederick Allen | I’ve always been fascinated by the 1920s and love a good contemporary history. This was really good and surprisingly entertaining. This book, originally published in 1931, offers a close and fascinating look at the previous decade. My copy is highlighted and tabbed all over the place!
*
Have I mentioned that this is also the year I’ve given myself permission to read lots of books at once? As such, I’m partially through four other books, all of which I’m enjoying so far. I’ll resume them once I work my way through draft two.
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
Romantic Friction by Lori Gold
Obitchuary by Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes
Funny Story by Emily Henry (yes, I’m officially two books behind on EmHen)
Lastly, you can keep track of my Reading List here on Substack:
