New moms get to bliss out on lots of newborn cuddles, but also have to deal with an influx of mom guilt, mom shaming and unwanted guidance. Instead of going down the rabbit hole of mom advice blogs or picking up that dog-eared copy of a parenting book, check out this list of books to help you kick back and relax (while nursing or pumping, of course!). If you know a new mom (or have a friend who is soon to be one), do her a favor and order her one of these books so she can have some quality “me time.”
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Authors Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings are the duo behind the pen name Christina Lauren and have released 14 New York Times bestsellers. Their newest contemporary romance, The Unhoneymooners, follows unlucky Olive and her nemesis Ethan while they attend Olive’s sister’s honeymoon. This is a hate to love trope that is executed perfectly. There’s a little steam, but who doesn’t want to follow along with our main characters on their free trip to Maui? If you just can’t wait for this one to release in May, then check out one of the authors’ backlist titles like My Favorite Half Night Stand.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Are you in the mood for a steamy romance? The Kiss Quotient was immensely popular in 2018 and there’s a reason for that. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and get a copy. The main character, Stella, has Asperger’s and hires male escort Michael to teach her to have sex. Imagine a role reversal of Pretty Woman. This novel is steamy, smart and totally binge-able! Can’t get enough? Author Helen Hoang’s follow-up novel, The Bride Test, is out in May.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
Did you read the Harry Potter series as a child? Motherhood is the perfect time to escape back into this magical world. Follow along as Harry finds out he’s a wizard and meets Ron and Hermoine for the first time. Re-reading as a new mother will give you the perfect mix of nostalgia from your own childhood and provide you the perfect time to fantasize about your own child’s future reading of the series.
Circe by Madeline Miller
If you’re looking for a newer fantasy read, then Circe comes highly recommended. Circe is the daughter of gods, but at first glance is powerless. She decides to head to the mortal realm for companionship, only to become a powerful witch. Madeline Miller’s telling of Circe has received a ton of accolades and is the perfect escapist read.
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
In The Bookshop on the Corner, Nina Redmond loses her job as a librarian in a large city. She decides to follow her dreams and open up a mobile bookstore in a quaint village. Follow along as Nina figures out how to turn her dreams into a reality.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Do you need another feel-good story? The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is “Up-Lit” at its finest – a bookseller who has recently been robbed receives a mysterious package and has the rare opportunity to turn his curmudgeon-y life around. Get ready to fall in love with this backlist title!
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Sometimes a quick suspense novel is just what new moms need to read while struggling to stay awake for middle-of-the-night feedings. In Lock Every Door, Jules Larsen takes a new job as an apartment sitter in a glitzy Manhattan apartment building where another sitter goes missing. While trying to figure out what happened to her, Jules finds out that other sitters have gone missing in the past. Can she solve the mystery or will she be the next victim? Need more Riley Sager? The Last Time I Lied is last summer’s creepy mystery taking place at summer camp.
The Night Before by Wendy Walker
Another excellent suspense choice is The Night Before by Wendy Walker. In this novel, Laura heads to her sister’s home in Connecticut after her most recent failed relationship. While she’s struggling to get over the relationship, she decides to make one last ditch effort with an internet date. When Laura doesn’t return in the morning, her sister, Rosie fears the worst. This timely thriller is sure to keep you reading well into the night.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I can’t wrap up a list of books for new moms without including Becoming by Michelle Obama. Becoming is Michelle Obama’s first book and even if you don’t agree with her political positions, you should check this one out to learn about Michelle’s own motherhood journey. I highly recommend the audiobook version, which is narrated by the author.
(Feature image courtesy of @deebibliophilia)
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Great list! Perfect for making a summer reading pile!