Looking for your next great read? From cozy romances to powerful historical fiction, we’re sharing the books we can’t stop thinking about.

Spring always feels like a season of fresh starts—and sometimes that includes refreshing what we’re reading. In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly dive into the books that have been keeping them company lately, from page-turning thrillers and heartwarming romance to powerful historical fiction and thought-provoking nonfiction.

They share their favorite recent reads, the books currently on their nightstands, and the unexpected places they’re finding their next great story—from used bookstore treasures to the Libby library app and Goodreads recommendations.

Along the way, the conversation explores why reading can feel like such a grounding ritual, how different formats (audiobooks vs. physical books) shape the experience, and why sometimes the best books aren’t the newest bestsellers.

If you’re looking for your next book club pick, a cozy bedtime read, or something deeper that sparks reflection, this episode is packed with ideas.

And yes… you may leave with a much longer reading list.

Inside This Conversation

📚 How Jessica and Kelly balance audiobooks, Kindle reading, and physical books
📚 Hidden gems discovered at used bookstores and through library apps
📚 Historical fiction that brings powerful real-life stories to light
📚 The joy of exploring global romance and new genres
📚 Why classic literature like Wuthering Heights still challenges readers today
📚 How music playlists can deepen the experience of reading a book
📚 Thought-provoking nonfiction about trauma, health, and the mind

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Chapters

00:00 Spring Reading Inspirations

05:28 Exploring Modern Romance

11:08 Historical Narratives and Cultural Reflections

18:15 NEWCHAPTER

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Resources:

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com

Libby App (OverDrive) - https://libbyapp.com

Book of the Month - https://www.bookofthemonth.com

Gabor Maté - The Myth of Normal - https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Normal-Dispatches-Understanding-Illness/dp/0593194684

The Yellow Wife by Sadiqa - https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Wife-Sadiqa/dp/0593194684

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - https://www.amazon.com/Wuthering-Heights-Emily-Bronte/dp/1503275766

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (adaptation) - https://www.amazon.com/Eligible-Modern-Adaptation-Pride-Prejudice/dp/0525538904

books, reading, authors, genres, book recommendations, literary discussion, book clubs, audiobooks, library, book lovers