Hey friends,
Today’s What to Read Next Podcast episode is a little different. I took the day off for a much-needed mental health reset and decided to hop on the mic for a casual chat. Think of it as a cozy coffee catch-up or maybe a neighborhood walk.
Let’s dive into what’s been going on in life lately, what’s been working (and what hasn’t), and how I’m navigating a new chapter in my reading life.
🧘♀️ Wellness Update: Power Yoga & That Bala Mat Find
If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been trying to incorporate more joyful movement into my days—and yoga has been it lately. I recently upgraded from restorative classes to power flows and hot yoga. It’s sweaty. It’s empowering. It’s everything.
Also, girl math win: I found my dream Bala yoga mat and Bala Bangles at Marshall’s for $100 total. That’s basically free, right?
More importantly, I feel strong and grounded again—and that feels priceless.
🌷🌸Cottagecore Book Recommendations
🍓Want even more recommendations?
Check out our Cottagecore Spring Post - featuring small town, flower shops and other cozy romances.
🧠 Therapy & Learning to Slow Down
Therapy has also been a big part of this season. I’m back to in-person sessions for the first time in five years, and it’s been beautiful.
Lately, I’ve been working on letting go of hustle culture and reminding myself that I don’t need to earn gold stars every day to be worthy. Sometimes just being is enough.
📖 Libraries Are Under Attack—Here’s What You Need to Know
There’s a quiet but dangerous effort underway to defund our public libraries.
Right now, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the federal agency that provides vital grants to libraries across the country—is being targeted by DOGE. Under the guise of rooting out “fraud, waste, and abuse” (a topic I’m somewhat of a quasi-expert on), they’re pushing narratives that could result in slashed funding. The narratives are full of disinformation, and as we know, they have no experience handling these issues. Remember, we just implemented 10% tariffs on the Penguin population.
Why does this matter to you?
Because when the IMLS loses funding, your local library may lose access to the programs and services you rely on. This includes digital platforms like Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and more—the very tools that make books, audiobooks, films, and education accessible to everyone.
How can you help?
Call your Senators and Representatives.
I recommend downloading the Call5 app—it gives you direct access to your elected officials along with helpful call scripts.
Support your local library.
Consider donating to your local Friends of the Library group if you can give. Every dollar makes a difference.Spread the word.
Share this post or talk about it with your community. Awareness is the first step toward action.
Thank you to @AngelaReadsBooks for staying on top of this issue and sounding the alarm.
Let’s stand up for our libraries.
They’ve always been there for us—it’s time we show up for them.
📚 Reading Life: From Streaks to Slow Joy
I broke a 2000-day Kindle streak recently.
Yep. You read that right. And honestly? It felt jarring at first, but I needed a break. I’m learning to read again without pressure—to stop chasing productivity and chase joy.
That’s where Between the Pines by Amber Palmer comes in. It’s a horse-girl cowboy romance debut I picked up after seeing it on Instagram. I’ve been savoring it slowly—just 20% in and loving the vibe. It’s the kind of quiet, grounded read that meets you where you are.
📖 Books Mentioned in This Episode
💥 Mafia Romance
When She Unravels by Gabrielle Sands (Available on Kindle Unlimited)
Runaway mafia bride, Ibiza escape, accidental mafia entanglement—unputdownable!
Currently on book two and loving it. The third and fourth books are teed up and ready.
🧶 Cozy Mystery
The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis
Set in Georgetown, cozy and fun. Didn’t read the first in the series, but it didn’t matter!
🌶️ Smutty Novella (Will be Available on Kindle Unlimited)
A friend’s WIP series of sexy novellas—quick, steamy reads.
Gave feedback: “more smut please!”
🧡 Small-Town Romance
A Story of My Life by Lucy Score (Available on Kindle Unlimited)
Older protagonists, second-chance life, and love.
Perfect audiobook purchase, especially on KU with audio upgrade.
🐎 Cowboy Romance
Between the Pines by Amber Palmer (Available on Kindle Unlimited)
A horse-girl, cowboy romance debut recommendation found via Instagram.
Reading slowly and enjoying the vibe without pressure.
💬 Let’s Talk
What’s your current relationship with reading? Are you chasing streaks or slowing down? Hit reply or leave a comment—I’d love to hear what’s been working for you lately.
Thanks for being here and holding space for these slower, softer conversations. You make this community what it is.
xo,
Laura
P.S. If you’re new here, don’t forget to subscribe for more cozy chats, reading updates, and behind-the-scenes bookish life. 💌
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