Before I was a mom, I read thrillers. Suspense that kept me up all night and stayed in my head long after the last page. Then I had kids, and my nights became too full of exhaustion for page turners. No longer could I handle dark, heavy reads that made me fearful for the world I was raising my kids in, and I found myself gravitating toward lighter reads I could put down when a little needed to be held and that wouldn’t haunt my dreams. These day I love reading books that make me smile. Life is way too serious sometimes, and the best way to combat the heaviness is by reading uplifting, fun books. Here are a few that have made me laugh lately.
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley Daphne sets out to make some friends by joining a senior center. The local council threatens to close down the center, but they haven’t banked on a motley crew of seniors and a teen dad banding against them. I love the mayhem, secrets, and the lovely way a group of invisible people form a community.
https://clarepooley.com/author
Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap Four friends retire on a cruise ship, and they while away their days setting up the unsuspecting staff. But in the midst of matchmaking, they unearth a mystery on board the ship. The “Shippers” are relentless in their efforts to help two people fall in love.You won’t be able to help but smile at their harebrained shenanigans.
https://shannonsuedunlap.com/books/
Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by Sharon Mondragon Another meddlesome grandmother is at it again, and I’m here for it. When a small town rumor stirs up trouble, “Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say ‘pecan pie’.” But seriously, have you read a better back cover quote?
https://sharonjmondragon.com/home/
Tea With Elephants by Robin Gunn Jones When two best friends get the opportunity to take a trip to Kenya, the beauty of the Africa plain heals the emotional baggage they bring with them. This one is more heart-warming than light-hearted, but I’m always up for friends on adventures.
https://www.robingunn.com/all-books/
The Frazzled Moms Series by Stephanie Paige King I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that my own books have made me laugh at least as much as they’ve made me cry (that’s just how writing goes sometimes). I was blessed to have a multi-generational community of women who walked with me through motherhood. While my village looked a little different than Dana and Josie’s, it was the scaffolding on which I built the Frazzled Moms. Families are chaotic and fantastic, full of memories and mayhem. But life is better when we do it together. Check out my home page to learn more.
