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7 In Books/ Lifestyle

14 books to read in 2023

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I am sharing some of my best book picks for this year. There’s some romance, thrillers, historical fiction, new releases and even a few non-fiction and memoirs. Scroll down to see the 14 books you need to read in 2023.

And for those of you who like listening to audiobooks, click here to try Audible Premium Plus and get up to 2 books free!

14 Books To Read In 2023

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

This book already has plans to be made into a movie. The main character is a transcriptionist for a sex therapist and becomes infatuated with one of the clients.

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

This thriller is a Reese’s Book Club pick. It’s a story about female friendship and a seven year journey to try to solve a “Who Done It?”.

Spare by Prince Harry

By now, I don’t think there is a single soul who hasn’t heard of Prince Harry’s memoir. I hear that the best way to enjoy this one is by listening to it on audiobook. If you don’t already have it, click here to try audible plus.

The Family Secret by Kiersten Modglin

A newly engaged couple head out to live at the family estate after his parent’s die. But once there, the woman realizes that not only is she being watched by the house staff but they are covering family secrets. It sounds a little to me like the beginnings of the Dollaganger’s for any of you who read “If There Be Thorns” or “Flowers in The Attic”.

You Just Need To Lose Weight And 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon

This New York Times Bestseller delves into the myths surrounding fat culture and offers fresh perspectives to bodies of all sizes.

Locust Lane by Stephen Amidon

The reviews say that if you loved “Mystic River” or “Little Fires Everywhere” then you will like this one. A young woman is found dead in an affluent New England town. The three suspects are kids who were seen partying with her that night and each of their parents get involved, only muddying the waters.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

This one debuts April 25th, 2023.

From the author who brought “Beach Read” and “The People We Meet On Vacation”. A couple who has been secretly broken up must fake it in front of their friends while away for a week in Maine.

This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay

This is a good read for anyone who is in the medical profession or if you’re interested in the healthcare system at all. It follows a Junior Doctor in the United Kingdom and shows the contrast of a government run healthcare system compared to that in the United States.

Someone Else’s Shoes by JoJoe Moyes

Nisha lives an affluent lifestyle until her wealthy husband files for divorce. At the same time, Sam is at the lowest point until she finds Nisha’s gym bag and puts on her Laboutins inspiring her to change her life around. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story, read this one!

The Woman With The Cure by Lynn Cullen

The story takes place in the 1940s and 50’s when Polio is wiping across America and causing many cities to go into lockdown. It’s based on the true story about a woman who races to find a cure. Set to be released on 2/21!

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman

This story is based on the real institution Willowbrook known for it’s shocking abuse to it’s residents. Sage is a twin and she has always known that her sister was a little bit different. After their mother dies, Sage sets out to find her sister at Willowbrook but she is mistaken for her sister once she arrives.

The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

This one sounds like a twisty page turning. A young woman is employed as a housekeeper for a stunning penthouse. She has yet to meet the lady of the house and was told not to step foot into the guest bedroom until one day she decides to knock on the door.

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell

To be released March 7th 2023. A group of bakers set out to a Vermont estate for a baking competition but then a body is discovered. The reviews say that it combines the likes of The Great British Bakeoff with Clue.

Girls And Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier

This one doesn’t come out until June 6th, 2023 and I can’t wait! All about horse girl cliques, barn moms drinking wine, gossip, backstabbing and a suspicious death. You can pre-order it now!

Happy Reading!!! Now go get lost in a book.

For more reading fun check out my

Winter Reading challenge

How to Host a Book Exchange Brunch

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February 20, 2023 By Nicolle

15 In Books/ parties

How to host a Book Exchange Brunch

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Welcome friends! Today we’re combining two of my loves – books and brunch! Scroll down to see how to host a fun book exchange brunch with a free printable.

If you are new here, thanks so much for popping by! I’m Nicolle, a wife, mom to 2 boys, nurse by day, creator and homebody. I love being home and creating cozy spaces, getting lost in a good book with a cup of coffee and all carbs! If this sounds like you too, stay awhile and let’s become friends! You can follow me on Instagram @ourtiny_nest where I share more book picks and am currently doing a winter reading challenge!

How to host a book exchange brunch

I am happy to be joining some of my lovely friends for their monthly supper club. Thank you to Jen from Midwest Life and Style for inviting me to join this month! Obviously as a big book nerd I had to say yes! If you don’t know Jen, she is a wife, mom of 2, event planner by day and blogger who is from Nebraska. She makes the most delicious recipes, (check out her blueberry sour cream coffee cake, you won’t be sorry) and the most innovative tablescapes! So make sure to follow her!

And if you are coming from my friend Jen at Midwest Life and Style, welcome! I hope you will stick around!

I got the idea for this book exchange brunch from those little public library shares. The path where we go on our walks has one of those free little community libraries where you can take a book and leave a book. So I was inspired to do a brunch with a similar idea and have a book exchange.

Now the concept is, each guest needs to bring a book that they enjoyed to share and exchange with the other guests so be sure to include that in your invite.

The Tablesetting

Table Runner

I started by creating a table runner out of book pages. This was super simple to do. I had a bunch of used books from old book sales that I had on hand for crafts. If you don’t have a book on hand that you want to use for this purpose, check out your local Dollar Store. They have tons of books!

I ripped out the pages and started gluing them together to make a runner.

Some tips for creating the runner – lay out the pages first in the desired length and width. I did it kind of haphazardly which I think adds a little dramatic effect and no stress about it being perfect. Then glue the pages together and allow to dry.

The place setting

I wanted to keep the place setting simple and all about the books. At each place setting, I included this printout for guests to fill out about their book, why they love it and then put inside the book they were sharing.

I’m sharing my printable below for anyone that wants to do something similar, just click the link.

Click here to download the free printable

The Table Decor

For the table decor I stacked some books that I had. I think hardcover works best and I took the book jackets off to display the original binding. You can also wrap some books in wrapping paper so that it fits your color scheme. I did a little of both.

Then I added mason jars with fresh flowers to give a little pop of color.

In the middle of the table I placed a basket where everyone could place their books and choose which ones they wanted to exchange.

I’ll link some of my pieces that I used to create the tablescape and similar decor below

For the exchange

Have you guests go around the table and choose a book out of the basket that they want to read and guess who the book is from before opening and reading the card aloud. This is also a good way for the other guests to get ideas for books to add to their reading list.

You can check out the whole brunch menu here. It’s a pretty delicious lineup!

And if you’re looking to join a little virtual book club of sorts, check out how to join my Winter Reading Challenge! I’m also sharing some books to kick off 2023!

Now be sure to head over to the ladies at Simply 2 Mom’s, Anne and AnneMarie to see their ideas for creating a tablescape for a book club gathering. I love the color palette they chose, it’s so rich looking with blacks, greens and golds.

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Check out all of the beautiful tablescape ideas for hosting a book club brunch below

Rachel at The Pond’s Farmhouse

Stacy from Bricks ‘n Blooms

Michele at Vintage Home Designs

Jen at Midwest Life and Style

Ann & AnnMarie from Simply 2 Moms

January 26, 2023 By Nicolle

13 In Books/ Lifestyle

Winter Reading Challenge

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Announcing the new Winter Reading Challenge for 2023. For those of you who were here for the Summer Reading Challenge, it was a hit! And winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. So this will be a great way to spend the colder winter months. This is a laid back challenge to inspire you to read more! My goal is for it to be fun and to give you more ideas on books to read.

Now just like with the previous summer challenge, we will be playing on Instagram!

The challenge will be live from Tuesday December 27th 2022-Sunday March 19th 2023.

How to participate in the winter reading challenge:

1.) Download the graphic below or save to your phone or camera roll.

2.) The idea is to read books in each category to try and get a BINGO or bonus points if you do a cover all and fill in all the boxes! Each time you read a book that checks off one of the boxes, share to your Instagram stories and tag me @ourtiny_nest.

3.) The challenge will end March 19th 2023. Be sure to share your finished template to your Instagram story with each box ticked off and tag me @ourtiny_nest to get credit! You must be following me @ourtiny_nest.

I haven’t decided on the prize yet, I think last time we did an Amazon gift card, to be decided 🙂

Be sure to share with any of your friends you think would want to read along.

And if you haven’t heard of Kindle Unlimited, click here to start your free 30 day trial to get unlimited access to books, audiobooks, and magazines.

Scroll down to see some of my book suggestions.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

This was the most highly anticipated and recommended book to be read by you all! In true Jodi Picoult fashion, it has you question your beliefs, and just when you think it’s going to be a sweet story, comes a twist!

Three Sweedish Mountain Men by Lily Gold

If you’re looking for a winter themed romance, this is it! The main female character is holed up in a cabin with three ripped hunky mountain men. Yes please 🙂

Spare by Prince Harry

Set to release January 10th, this is Prince Harry’s autobiography. If you’re obsessed with all things royalty, the monarchy or just love Prince Harry this sounds like will be a really interesting account from his perspective.

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf

A true crime writer heads to a cabin in winter to write her new novel. The place where she is staying was the scene of a murder years before and a girl who went missing. This is the perfect winter thriller.

From Scratch: A memoir of love, Sicily and finding home by Tembi Locke

This book was the basis for the Netflix movie “From Scratch”. (So checks off the box made into a movie). Seriously so many of my friends have been telling me to watch the movie but I want to read the book first.

Happy Reading!!!

December 27, 2022 By Nicolle

9 In Books/ Lifestyle

2022 Summer Reading Challenge

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Ok I am soooo excited about this! I am so happy to launch this year’s 2022 Summer Reading Challenge. This was in large part inspired by all of you! I know there are alot of readers here in this space and I thought this would be a fun way to encourage us all to read.

Scroll down to see how to take part in this year’s Summer Reading challenge and for some of my book ideas.

How to participate in the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge

1.) Save this graphic below to your phone or go over to my Instagram and click here to save the Summer Reading Challenge template.

3.) The challenge will end September 5th. Be sure to share your finished template to your Instagram story with each box ticked off and tag me @ourtiny_nest to get credit!

Everyone who gets a BINGO or a coverall will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card!

Be sure to share with any of your friends you think would want to read along.

And if you have any questions, you can send me a DM on Instagram or comment on this post.

Scroll down to see some of my book suggestions.

Beach Reads

The Hotel Nantucket – I just bought this one. I love anything by Elin Hilderbrand, she is Queen of summer beach reads!

The Boardwalk Book Shop – Takes places on the California Coast, three friends run a Book Shop/Gift Shop/Bakery. It’s a story of sisterhood and friendship.

Mystery/Thriller

The Club – This was a Reese Book Club pick. Takes place in an exclusive club off the coast of England where the rich and famous party hard but the body count goes up.

Romance/Spicy

It Happened One Summer – This was actually a recommendation by a few of you if you like spiceeeee <3

Book by a new author

The Long Answer by Anna Hoagland – explores the issues of motherhood, fertility and sisterhood.

How To Fake It In Hollywood – 2 Hollywood celebrities enter into a fake relationship as part of a PR stunt. The reviews say it’s full of drama and sexy love scenes.