I’m a sucker for recommendations. Back in 2017, I started a blog that recommended podcasts.

One of my favorite podcasts was—and still is—the Currently Reading podcast. It was from that podcast that I learned about the cozy mystery genre and immediately knew that I wanted to write a series based in a campground in Maine.

So, it’s only too logical that a lot of my blog posts here on my author website will be for recommending books.

I read in a variety of genres—cozy mystery, contemporary literature, some romance, a little fantasy, plenty of non-fiction, and travel memoir.

Over the years, I’ve read books in all of those genres that leave me feeling all warm and gushy inside. Here are five that I highly recommend. They are all great on audio, too (really fantastic narration), so I'm linking everything below to Barnes & Noble, where you can get print, digital, or audio versions of these books.

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin

This coming-of-age novel follows April Sawicki, a teenage songwriter who escapes a difficult home life. (The author doesn't just tell you that April is neglected, there is a gut-wrenching scene.) As April journeys from town to town, she forms bonds with strangers who become something like family—proving that sometimes, the people we choose are even more important than the ones we’re born to. April’s story is raw, lyrical, and quietly powerful, with moments of kindness and human connection that will leave your heart feeling full.

I loved this book so much, I'd re-listen to it in a heartbeat (if my TBR wasn't bursting at the seams with other things to read). The audiobook is narrated by the amazing Julia Whelan.

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

Slow Dance is a nostalgic and tender short story about adolescent love, awkward school dances, and the quiet magic of being seen. It perfectly captures that aching sweetness of being young and hopeful, and the regret that haunts us when we're older. The gentle pacing and emotionally grounded characters make this one of those stories that unexpectedly wraps around your heart.

A warning for readers who don't like "open door" bedroom scenes: this book is sweet and mushy for the first 80%. Then, there is a sudden shift to a graphic bedroom scene. I remember listening in my kitchen and thinking, "Woah! I didn't see that coming!" Still, I think it's one of the best books that I have read this year. The audiobook is wonderfully narrated by Rebecca Lowman.

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

When Lillian agrees to take care of two children with a rather... fiery condition (literally—they burst into flames when upset), she doesn’t expect to fall for them. But this oddball, hilarious, and deeply moving story shows how love can come from the unlikeliest places. Lillian's transformation from misfit to fiercely devoted caretaker is both absurd and touching, and you'll root for her every step of the way. This one’s funny, weird, and sneakily heartwarming.

The audiobook is narrated by Marin Ireland, who could read the phone book and I'd listen to her.

The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel

This delightful novel centers around a brownstone in Greenwich Village and the messy, charming cast of characters who inhabit it. With intersecting story lines of family chaos, lost love, and unexpected friendships, The Sweet Spot feels like a cozy sitcom in book form. It’s warm, witty, and filled with moments of genuine emotional depth—making it one of those books you want to crawl into and stay awhile.

As a new author, I will never forget a moment in this book when there are no less than six people in the kitchen, and they are all trying to make sense of what's going on. It's a genius scene.

The audiobook has a full cast of narrators and it is very well done. 

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This unforgettable debut novel centers on a lonely woman cleaning an aquarium, a grieving young man searching for answers, and—yes—an intelligent, observant octopus named Marcellus. The result? A touching, whimsical story about grief, healing, and unexpected connections. Marcellus the octopus steals the show with his sharp insights (I love him so much!), and the human characters will make you believe in second chances. 

I listened to this book on an international flight, and when we landed, I had about 70 minutes left. I thought, "Darn it, I want to finish it!" (but, you know, I didn't really want to finish it!) And then...at an airport I've been to dozens of times, at the Immigration line that always moves quickly...there was a massive delay. So, I finished the last 70 minutes of this book standing in line with my luggage. I was possibly the most peaceful person in that whole terminal :)

You’ll want to hug this book and then immediately lend it to a friend. It's narrated by Marin Ireland (a favorite narrator of mine and many others) and Michael Urie (as Marcellus).

Finally, A Shameless Plug (and a Huggable Pup)

If you haven't read the books in my Maine Campground Cozy Mystery series yet, you should know that there's a very huggable character in those books: Corny the beagle. This dog is the breakout star of the series, and you can start at the very beginning with the free prequel/short story all about Corny just by signing up for my email list.