5 Ways To Perfect Your Worry-Free Weekly “Reset” Routine

With Monday right around the corner, Sundays can make you feel like a mess. The pressures of
the coming week and the stress of the past are a perfect recipe for anxiety, dread, and overwhelm. Not to mention, the grief! I love weekends so I’m always a little sad come Sunday night. So when I find myself in this headspace, I seek refuge in my “reset routine.”

Setting time aside to replenish my energy and practice self-care helps me transition back into the week with ease. Protecting my energy is something I’ve struggled with in the past, and if that sounds like you here's what I did to achieve a worry-free weekly "reset" routine. The practices I share have helped me prioritize my well-being and joy, and are designed to help you pause and prepare. If that hasn’t been your experience with routines, don't worry. Here are 5 ways to create a realistic and resourcing “reset” routine to start the week right.

1. Cleanse your body

When we move from the brain we tend to forget the body. Physically cleansing is a way to reset the body and refresh your energy for the start of the week. Think of how you can bring extra intention to your cleansing routine. I like to take this time to style my hair the way I like or add a face massage to my skincare regimen.

Another way to “cleanse” your body is through hydration. I track my water intake with my gallon water bottle and complement that with some teas that bring me joy. Hot or cold teas are known to boost your immune system and fight off inflammation, so lately I’ve been enjoying a cup of warm tea with a squeeze of lemon, a spoonful of honey, ginger, and some goji berries.

2. Reset the mind

Between running a YouTube channel, podcast, and an online stationery shop, I'm no stranger to stress and overwhelm. When I struggle with insomnia or lack of motivation, I know it’s my body’s signal to take a step back and slow down. I’ve tried many mindfulness practices, but what works best for me is meditation. Anxiety starts in the mind, so learning to listen and observe my thoughts, as opposed to letting them take over control, has brought me a lot of relief. Meditation helps clear your mind, reset your mental slate and focus on your intentions. Try it for 15 minutes a week and see if it helps you too.

While meditation brings a gentle awareness to racing thoughts, affirmations introduce calming and empowering thoughts to the brain. Repeating statements like “I love myself. I trust myself. I am safe” bring me calm and support. Try a guided meditations when you are ready.

3. Plan the week ahead

Narrowing your focus is key to combating overwhelm and getting more done. Take a look at your upcoming week and take note of the events planned. Start by setting goals for the week and don’t forget to set some self-care ones as well. I like to make a list of three things for each category. This method keeps things achievable and helps me practice prioritizing. The Weekly Reset Planner uses the “list of three” template, which makes planning my week that much easier.

Next, I find reflecting on the past week helps me feel better prepared for the week to come. I take this time to practice gratitude and celebrate growth more regularly. No matter how small the achievement, it deserves to be celebrated. Reminding your nervous system of what you have survived helps relieve anxiety about the future. With time, this kind of practice can rewire your brain towards confidence and positivity instead of fear and self-criticism.

4. Clean your space

Tidying up is not everyone’s cup of tea and I get that. For some, it can feel like an impossible task. If this is the case for you, I have a 10-minute hack. Set a 10-minute timer and do some chores like folding laundry, doing the dishes, or sweeping. You can stop once your timer is up but you might find that once you get started you want to continue cleaning for longer.

This trick helps me combat procrastination and feel a sense of accomplishment. Your brain actually releases dopamine when you achieve goals, no matter how small they are! Also, a clean space promotes a clear mind. Not to mention that a small weekly dose of cleaning will give you less work later, and help you practice a healthy habit that will get easier over time.

5. Relax your body

In a culture that rewards “doing,” slowing down to honor “being” is a challenging task. Being with yourself, feeling into your body, and listening to your senses is vital to your wellbeing. Movement and breathing exercises are a great way to tend to your body and release trapped emotions. Tune inward and ask yourself “what areas hold the most tension in my body?” Stretching, breathing, and tapping are some of my go-to methods to release tension.

Other movement exercises to try are Belly Button Healing, which is a practice that stimulates digestive organs, promotes blood flow, and releases trapped emotions, and yoga is also a great way to slow down and heal your body’s aches and pains. I try to practice movement as much as possible to stay connected and fluid with my body. Above all, remember that the intention is decompression. Listen to the wisdom of your body and let yourself look silly.

About the author: Aileen Xu is a content creator and entrepreneur at Lavendaire, inspiring people around the world to embrace their true potential and create their dream life. Her YouTube channel Lavendaire has over 1.6 million subscribers. Her podcast, The Lavendaire Lifestyle, has over 7 million downloads. Aileen is the creator of the top-selling Artist of Life Workbook, a guided journal to creating your most successful year, which has sold over 25,000 physical copies. Her brand offers an array of stationery products and an online course at The Lavendaire Shop.

Turning Grief Into Purpose With Aaliyah In Action Founder Elizabeth O'Donnell

“I’m sorry there’s no heartbeat.” Those were the words I heard on November 28, 2020, at just between 31 and 32 weeks pregnant, and after what I was continuously told was a “textbook” pregnancy. Nothing can ever prepare you to hear that as an expectant parent, someone who is so excited to soon meet their child. That day was the start of my life changing completely, and turning grief into purpose was what helped me push forward.

Aaliyah Denise arrived into this world looking like any other baby that was just delivered, perfect and with a mass of curly black hair. We were given no reason for her passing except being told by staff that “sometimes babies just die.” These words are heard too often for families in The United States and I didn’t realize this until I experienced it for myself. To be exact, about 23,000 families experience a stillbirth a year. The truth is, the truth isn’t being spoken about. Those stillbirth numbers are pretty shocking, right?

I can’t tell you what else was happening that day in November, to the day I left the hospital the afternoon of December 1. What I do remember was being immediately thrown into a public battle with my employer about paid family leave, and their nonexistent definition of “birth of a child.” 

The law, at that time, did not explicitly state that paid family leave did not include the healing of a woman’s body after birth. My then employer made a choice to read the law as if it was for bonding only. I refused to accept that my employer could create the definition of “birth of a child” when there was no clear definition, and when other city agencies chose to provide the leave after stillbirth cases like mine.

I fought back and it went as far as making it on the national news after an Instagram photo of me & Aaliyah went viral. This led the DC Council to pass an Emergency Bereavement Bill, granting parents of stillbirth 10 days paid leave. Which, for many not in this position may sound like a win. However, my argument was never about time to grieve the death of my daughter. It's always been about the time it takes a woman’s body to heal after birth, whether or not the birth is live.

Winning that battle wasn’t enough as that wouldn’t bring Aaliyah back. Waking up every day and grieving her death was my norm. I decided to join Facebook groups, specifically for mothers who have experienced loss, and that allowed me to hear people's stories and the horror in this country as it relates to the treatment of birthing people after stillbirth. Whether it’s hospitals with staff that are not adequately trained to deal with loss, the misunderstanding others seem to have of “yes, I still delivered my baby,” or the differences in family and cultural understandings after a loss like this, it’s overall tough. It’s hard to manage the outside world when on the inside you feel like giving up. 

I knew I needed to do something for the mothers I connected with, and also to create a strong legacy for my Aaliyah. Turning grief into purpose, Aaliyah in Action was born.

From my experience, tangible bereavement support was minimal or nonexistent. Some hospitals, if you’re lucky, provide you with a memory box for your baby. We love to talk about “self-care” in society, yet I found very little of it in this pregnancy and infant loss space. I decided to take all of the parenting I was saving up, and pour it into Aaliyah in Action. 

Our nonprofit supports women, birthing people, and families after they have experienced perinatal, neonatal, or infant loss, by providing self-care packages and support books that’ll help them start their grief journey. The packages are distributed to hospitals and those who request them, to provide immediate, tangible, and bereavement support. A box includes small items such as fuzzy socks, aromatherapy shower steamers, and candles. For what I call a “griefy” day, this is a small gesture to make one comfortable during their stay in the hospital, post birth. Packages also come with a support book for the birthing person, and support books for partners and living children if appropriate.

Pregnancy and infant loss can make you feel so alone. But the reality is you’re far from alone. My love for Aaliyah and the passion behind this organization will elevate Aaliyah in Action to be a standard bereavement response after pregnancy or infant loss. Through continued hospital partnerships nationwide, I hope to reach as many women and birthing people as I can-the immediate response is key when starting the grief journey.

Aaliyah in Action is also supporting small, local, women and black-owned businesses. We are proud to purchase items and support books directly from the vendors. Not only are we proud to help families in need, but we are able to help small businesses too.    

If we haven’t experienced it ourselves, we all know someone who has experienced the trauma of a pregnancy or infant loss. I see the work that Aaliyah is doing every single day in the emails I receive, phone calls, DM connections, and relationships I’ve been making since becoming an advocate. Our goal as an organization has always been to connect on a deeper level with those we provide for, and those who support our mission.

About the Author: Elizabeth O’Donnell, or Aaliyah’s Mom as she prefers, is the Founder & CEO of the nonprofit Aaliyah in Action. She is a fierce stillbirth advocate helping people navigate loss through Aaliyah in Action, and working toward ending preventable stillbirth with PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy as their Co-Director of Communications.

20 Books To Add To Your 2022 Summer Reading List

So many books, but so little time. Don’t worry, because we’ve rounded up 20 of the best books of the year so far. Whether you’re a thriller lover, a hopeless romantic, or anything in between, there’s something for everyone! One, two, or maybe twelve of these incredible books should definitely be added to your to your summer reading list.

Ramón and Julieta by Alana Quintana Albertson

We’ve heard the story before; enemies turn to lovers or friends. Julieta and Ramón share a kiss on Day of the Dead, and Ramón is determined to find his new love. What he doesn’t know yet is how his father stole Julieta's mother’s taco recipe, which has been detrimental to Julieta’s restaurant. With Ramón now her new landlord she tries to push away the romantic tension. Will Ramón be able to win over Julieta, or will their parent’s rivalry keep them apart?

Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler

After Tam and Tony find out they’ve been accepted to adopt a young boy from China, Tam is hit with the worst news possible. Tony and his estranged cousin Mia have been killed in an accident. While coping with this pain and grief, Tam finds out she now is the guardian of Mia’s five-year-old daughter Angela. Now Tam must become a parent to a girl she doesn’t know well and decide whether to still adopt from China. When a long-kept secret comes to light, Tam must dig into Tony and Mia’s past, and she ultimately learns the true meaning of love and family. 

The Lifestyle by Taylor Hahn

In the best retelling of Emma since Clueless- meet Georgina Wagman a young lawyer with a seemingly perfect life. But, when she finds her husband sleeping with a junior associate, she’s shocked and divorce was never something that crossed her mind. In an effort to save her marriage she and her husband become swingers. Her friends Felix and Norah (and their partners) are all in with her. Her own marriage might be falling apart but, Georgina is determined to get Felix and Norah together. Then Georgina reconnects with her college ex and must decide whether to follow her heart or her head, all while trying to keep her perfect life-well perfect. 

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Julia Baxter’s wedding veil was given to her great grandmother by a mysterious woman on a train in the 1930s. It has brought the women in her family good luck ever since, but in her heart, Julia knows the veil isn’t enough to make her marriage last, so she runs to the Virgin Islands on the morning of her wedding. Meanwhile Julia’s grandmother, Babs, still mourning the death her beloved husband, reconnects with an old flame and is forced to dredge up complicated emotions from the past. Then the reader is transported back to 1914 where they meet socialite Edith Vanderbilt, who’s struggling to maintain the grandiose Biltmore Estate after her husband’s untimely death. Edith is also committed to helping her free-spirited daughter Cornelia prepare to inherit the iconic house, despite the family’s financial troubles and Cornelia’s dream to live outside Biltmore’s gilded gates. How could this long-lost heirloom, the wedding veil, be the thing that connects these four remarkable women?

The Christie Affair by Nina Gramont

This re-imagination of one of the most talked-about unsolved mysteries will have readers completely immersed. What did Agatha Christie discover in those eleven days she went missing in 1925 London and how is her husband’s mistress involved? Miss Nan O’Dea took a liking to Archie Christie and became his mistress, and the only thing standing in her was Archie’s wife Agatha. But, why destroy another woman’s marriage and why hatch a murder plot years in the making?

One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose

Revenge is something everyone can relate to, but for the women in Buckhead it may mean life or death. When Shannon is dumped by her famous politician husband Bryce, and replaced by Crystal, it is sure to stir some community drama. Meanwhile, Olivia is planning to take Shannon’s place as queen of Buckhead. But it is Buckhead’s best hairdresser, Jenny, who knows all her clients’ secrets and their darkest desires. What secrets could these women be hiding and who will end up dead?

Hotel Portofino by JP O’Connell

Let’s take a step back in time to the Roaring Twenties on the breathtaking Italian Riviera. After a British family, led by matron Bella Ainsworth, opens Hotel Portofino, they quickly realize the high-class guests may be too demanding for them to handle. And while Bella desperately tries to satisfy her Italian guests, she also juggles saving her marriage, helping her children recover from the repercussions of the Great War, looking for love for her son Lucian, and keeping a local politician from sabotaging her and her success. But despite her best efforts, things don’t go according to plan in this enchanting historical fiction perfect for fans of The Crown and Downton Abbey.

Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim

Matchmaking: some love it, and some think it’s fraudulent. For Sophie Go, it’s her profession, and she can’t wait to get back to work after returning to Toronto from a three-year trip to Shanghai. But when it’s revealed that Sophie never went to matchmaking school, she loses her credibility in the highly competitive market and becomes an outcast. Desperately in need of clients, Sophie stumbles on a club in her complex called the Old Ducks, a group of seven elderly Chinese bachelors who never found love. Determined to help the most difficult-to-match men of her career, Sophie learns the depths of heartbreak, loneliness, and what true love actually is as she puts her skills to the test. 

We Lie Here by Rachel Howzell Hall

Yara Gibson is a young TV writer visiting home in California to host her parents' 20th-anniversary party. When she receives a text from her mother’s estranged childhood friend Felicia begging to speak to her “before it’s too late,” Yara chooses to ignore it. She didn’t realize ignoring Felicia’s text would lead to her body being found in Lake Palmdale. But before she died, Felicia left Yara a key to a cabin, where she finds files on a tragedy from 1998. This new information leaves Yara with big unanswered questions, and the more she digs for answers, the more she realizes this information will change her life forever… Or end it.

Can’t Look Away by Carola Lovering

Sexy suspense and the kind of obsessive love that keeps you coming back – Carola Lovering never disappoints. In 2013, Molly was a twenty-three-year old barista with dreams of being a writer who locked eyes with lead singer Jake Danner at a concert. Nearly ten years after their full and deep romance in which Jake wrote a hit song about her, the two are living their own separate domestic lives. But Molly is struggling and lonely. When she meets Sabrina, a newcomer in town, Molly feels relieved to finally have a friend. But there’s a reason Sabrina sought out Molly, and both of their secrets start to bubble to the surface and ask themselves: what happens when life doesn’t turn out like you thought?

The Blue Butterfly by Leslie Johansen Nack

1915 in New York, Broadway, and secret love stories galore! Marion Davies is a shy 18-year-old dancer when she meets William Randolph Hearst. Seduced by his riches and dedication to make her a movie star, Marion begins a courtship with Hearst. Then things start to go downhill after Hearst goes through a divorce with his wife and has a baby with Marion. Over the years they keep the baby a secret and gradually fade away from each other. But in 1937 during the height of the Depression, Marion lends Hearst $1M, even as she has a secret love with Charlie Chaplin. Now Marion and Hearst must work together to confront a movie that could ruin Marion’s career: Citizen Kane.

Set on You by Amy Lea

Crystal Chen is a curvy fitness influencer known for ignoring all the trolls that come her way while she conquers her workouts. After a tough breakup, the gym has brought her comfort – until Scott Ritchie walks in. Scott is a firefighter (and a Chris Evans look-alike, by the way) and goes out of his way to steal Crystal’s favorite squat rack, quickly sparking a heated competition between the two. Then Crystal is shocked to find Scott at her grandparents’ engagement party, where she gets a glimpse of how Scott’s surprisingly soft heart and the two of them form a new bond. That bond is then put to the test after the internet trolls find a picture of them together that goes viral, threatening their budding relationship in this steamy enemies-to-lovers rom-com. 

On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster 

In this captivating historical fiction novel, Everleigh “Lee” Farrow seems to have it all. An incredible fiancé named Roland, a trust fund, and a beautiful Bronxville home. When Roland whisks Lee away to the Hamptons to show her the most incredible engagement present a woman could think of, a beachside hotel located on Gin Lane, things seem perfect. But internally, Lee struggles with dark memories of her old life, where she grew up at the Plaza, taking care of her mentally ill mother. Lee attempts to ignore the flashbacks and spend the summer doing things she loves: drinking poolside, playing tennis, attending luncheons, and taking photos. But on the hotel’s opening weekend, tragedy strikes, and Lee’s seemingly perfect world begins to fall apart. Lee must decide if this life is truly what she wants, and if she even knows who she truly is.

For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa 

Nina Lyons is an incredible chef whose talents have been overlooked in the male-dominated culinary world. As a co-host on a competitive reality TV series, she has a chance to truly make a name for herself. Just one problem. She can’t stand her co-host. Leo O’Donnell is a restaurateur who never meant to irritate Nina. It just happened as a result of the anxiety and stress he deals with in his work. But when he takes a joke too far, and Nina quits the show on live TV, Leo is unprepared. With both of their careers on the line after the show’s dramatic ending, Nina and Leo discover a “secret romance” may be the most beneficial thing for both of them. They just have to pretend not to despise each other. Easy, right?  With the perfect amount of tension, spice, and banter, Erin La Rosa whisks up a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa

After Amaya receives an invitation to her former best friend’s wedding in Sri Lanka, she’s a little hurt and very surprised after years of silence. When she discovers that Kaavi is marrying Amaya’s ex-boyfriend, she’s determined to stop the wedding, no matter what. But when the wedding week commences, and rumors start to fly about Amaya’s past, she begins to feel like someone at the wedding is out to get her. When Kaavi goes missing and is presumed dead, Amaya is the main suspect. However, as each wedding guest’s dark secrets and hidden agendas come to light, it’s clear that Amaya is not the only one with a score to settle against the bride. 

Corinne by Rebecca Morrow 

Corrine Callahan has left behind the fundamentalist church and family she grew up with and built a good life for herself. While Corrine is free from the things and people that hurt her, she can’t help but miss the love she walked away from. Enoch Miller has always held a piece of her heart, and Corrine will never be truly free of him. An intimate story spanning over fifteen years, Corrine jeopardizes everything she’s created for the one man she knows she can never have.

The Marriage Box by Corie Adjmi

Casey Cohen is a sixteen-year-old Middle Eastern Jew living in New Orleans during the 1970s. After getting in trouble, her parents relocate them back to their home, the Orthodox Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn. In this unfamiliar world, men thank God they aren’t women, and lavish parties are held at the Museum of Natural History. The Marriage Box is an actual place, a deck where teenage girls showcase themselves for potential husbands. Casey is revolted by this lifestyle, until she meets Michael. Looking for a sense of belonging, Casey marries him at eighteen, expecting to adapt to the Syrian ways. However, when she discovers that Michael is against the idea of her going to college, and instead wants her to have a baby, she begins to question her choice and her future. Will Casey be able to merge her two different worlds, or will she be forced to walk away from one in order to discover who she is? Pre-order this Summer of 2023 must-read today!

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner

For a hundred years, Bloomsbury Books has been run by men and directed by the manager’s fifty-one unbreakable rules. That is, until 1950, when three girls at the shop have ideas to keep the bookstore going amidst a changing world. Vivien Lowry, a World War II widow, has a long list of justified grievances, the most significant being Alec McDonough, the Head of Fiction. Grace Perkins is a wife and mother of two sons, working hard to support her family while her husband struggles post-war. Grace grapples with balancing her family responsibilities and her own dreams. Evie Stone, a student in Cambridge’s first degree-earning female class, lost out on an academic position to a less qualified male rival, and now works at Bloomsbury Books as she plans her future. These three women all strive for a future that gives them more opportunities than what society currently permits while navigating their personal relationships, goals, and dreams.

Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour

At sixteen-years-old, Sara Foster ran away from home, and the trusting girl she used to be got left behind as well. Now an in-demand bartender living in Los Angeles, Sara is known for her creative cocktails and the mystery surrounding her. Emilie Dubois is living across the city where her Creole grandparents fostered a beautiful community she craves but can’t commit to. Emilie impulsively takes a job at Yerba Buena, a glamorous restaurant, and begins an affair with the married owner. There is an instant connection between Sara and Emilie when they first meet at Yerba Buena but both women have pasts that draw them apart time and time again. As Sara’s former life catches up to her and upturns everything, Emilie finally discovers her own purpose, and the two must determine if the love they hold for each other overpowers their pasts. 

Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier

Paris Peralta’s celebrity husband is dead in a bathtub and Paris is standing in front of him, covered in blood and holding a straight razor. She’s arrested on the spot and knows she will be charged with his murder. However, what worries her most is the media attention that now surrounds her, and Paris fears someone from her dark, hidden past will recognize her and rip apart the new life she has built for herself. Twenty-five years prior, Ruby Reyes, referred to as the Ice Queen, was found guilty of a similar murder in Canada. Ruby knows the truth about Paris and when she is suddenly released from prison, she threatens to reveal all the secrets Paris has worked to bury. Reaching a dead end, Paris is forced to face the murky past she left behind. Because even though a murder charge is bad, it’s better than two murder charges.

Image: Courtesy of Spark Point Studio

About the author: Avion Wick is a student at Arizona State University studying Journalism and Mass Communication. He is from Washington D.C but is loving the warmer weather Phoenix has to offer. Outside of being a full-time student, Avion can be found going to the movies at least once a week.

Influence to Innovation: How Two Business Owners Empower Through Their Brands

Many content creators focus on sales, but the ones who put the most emphasis on fostering relationships beyond their platforms are the creators driving innovation. Storytelling is an art, but it takes vulnerability and absolute authenticity to turn it into a service. It’s also about purpose—the purpose to connect, inspire, and uplift. The most successful entrepreneurs are the ones attracting customers through their stories, provoking new ways of communicating and connecting.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, we’re sharing the entrepreneurial journeys of two content creators turned business owners—Barbie Brignoni and Mikayla Shocks—who built successful businesses through their work as storytellers and community builders. As the Creative Director at Noni Collective, Barbie Brignoni lends her expertise to purpose-driven Latinx brands journeying to reach their highest potential, while outwardly embracing her natural beauty—to help others do the same—as the co-founder of Regen Curl. Content Creator and entrepreneur Mikayla Shocks founded SOL SISTER, a jewelry brand inspired by her soul sisters—inclusive of her 3 daughters and tight knit community of strong young women. Showing up as her authentic self (as a mother and business owner) on social media has allowed her to build a community where others can show up exactly as they are, too. 

Ahead, both tell a broader narrative of how they uncovered an entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation through the lens of their stories.

Barbie Brignoni

Prior to becoming a fulltime content creator and entrepreneur, you worked a 9-5 in the fashion industry. What inspired you to open up and share your creative pursuits with others, and why do you think it has resonated with so many young women?

I think even before I worked in a 9-5 job in the Fashion Industry, I had a very clear vision of wanting to be of service to others through fashion. I have always been a very spiritual person and I believe God pushed me in a direction to help inspire other girls and connect with them on a deeper level. I didn’t know how I could achieve that exactly but with time it started happening organically through conversations about personal style, embracing one’s natural beauty (in my case my curls), and learning about sustainable/conscious practices.

You launched Noni Collective, a space where you provide conscious consulting to Latinx Creators building purpose driven brands. What was the lightbulb moment for Noni Collective, and how did you lean into your entrepreneurial spirit to launch it to success?

When I was doing my Masters Degree in Creative Direction for Fashion Brands, I realized that there was so much more to a brand than just a nice typography and color palette, there is a mission and a compelling story behind it that aims to inspire a behavior or a shift in mindset. During my studies I learned how to dig deeper and find a  brand’s true purpose and how to fill a white space in the market with this purpose, and how to articulate it in a way that feels authentic to the brand’s experience. I realized how valuable this knowledge was for building my own brand and how little information there was out there for indie designers and emerging brands. I realized that I had to do something about it and so I decided to share all my knowledge by offering consultations and creative direction to emerging brands and upcoming fashion/beauty entrepreneurs in order to help them build purpose-driven brands and achieve their highest potential.

"When the question you’re asking yourself is “How can I look more like that?” you create a world that limits your abilities, you immediately prevent your creativity from exploring the unknown because your focus lies in the already known and done. Instead, when you ask yourself “How can I continue to embrace my own uniqueness?”

You strive to inspire girls to “live unapologetically, dream endlessly, and own their style confidently.” How are you using your platform as a vehicle for women’s empowerment?  

Those words have always been like a mantra for me throughout my personal journey. These words have served as a compass and have allowed me to: be vulnerable and completely open about my curly hair journey and my healing journey; continue being unapologetically myself even when I’ve faced cyber bullying; chase my dreams of living in NYC.

All these tests have become my testimony. These pivotal moments have allowed me to connect with more and more women who aspire to achieve similar things in life.

Your impact as a mentor is undeniable—How do you create an environment that fosters meaningful connections?

Wow! That’s a great question! I believe in loving unconditionally and being of service. I see my community of women as sisters and as a big sister IRL, I try to fulfill my role in each of their lives the best way that I can. I believe that by pouring knowledge, blessings, a word, whatever it is that they need in their cups, life rewards me with a bigger cup with bigger blessings. By fostering this dynamic within my community I show them to do the same for others.

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey?

During my many ups and downs battling anxiety and depression, a dear friend of mine, Danila, who is a mental health advocate, reminded me once about the importance of being grateful. During one of our conversations, she shared with me her simple gratitude practice. When I began implementing gratitude in my daily routine, I really began to see things change around me.

I also believe that authors Erwin McManus and Marianne Williamson have definitely shaped who I am and how I choose to see the world.

What have you learned from your community? 

I think they have taught me that humility is the biggest act of bravery. And I say the “biggest” because it takes so much courage to dismantle one’s ego and be humble with people you don’t know. They have taught me to not be afraid to send a positive DM to someone you admire and to let them know that they’re doing great things.

As a creative entrepreneur, how do you hope to drive innovation through the stories you tell?

Another great question. The answer is by believing in one’s own power, embracing one’s uniqueness and avoiding comparison at all costs. I always say “When the question you’re asking yourself is “How can I look more like that?” you create a world that limits your abilities, you immediately prevent your creativity from exploring the unknown because your focus lies in the already known and done. Instead, when you ask yourself “How can I continue to embrace my own uniqueness?” You immediately spark excitement, imagination and innovation and your creativity takes you to a world where possibilities feel endless. As a creative entrepreneur, I believe in finding and building upon your WHY, your values, and most importantly trusting your soul.

What advice can you share for women who want to connect with their entrepreneurship spirit?

The real work starts within. Creating a ritual that prioritizes your emotional, spiritual, and physical health is key to long-term success. Also, you can not inspire others without doing the true soul work first. Think about it this way. When your flight is about to take off, the flight attendant always says “put your mask on first before helping others”. Well, your flight is about to take off, you are about to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, so you need to make sure you know exactly how to take care of yourself first if you ever plan on helping others. Do the soul work first and then take care of the rest, so prioritize your 10 minute meditation before your emails, prioritize your books before your screen time… find healthy habits that not only set you up for a productive day, but for a day filled with joy and gratitude.

Mikayla Shocks

After garnering a substantial following on Instagram, you decided to take a leap into the life of a full time content creator in 2016. What inspired you to open up and share your personal life with others, and why do you think it has resonated with so many young women?

I was a young college student who got pregnant unexpectedly, and it was a very isolating feeling. I couldn’t relate to any “typical” moms, and I didn’t fit in with any of my peers. My ultimate goal when I initially started sharing my life was to serve as a source of both inspiration and representation for other women who were in my position. I think this resonated with many young women because I was living proof that we, as women, have the ability to overcome, conquer, and achieve any goal we set out for ourselves, despite the odds being stacked against us.  

You have this undeniable ability to connect with your community through moments of real and raw relatability. How do you create an environment that fosters meaningful connections?

My platform and community are built on trust, honesty, and the vulnerability in sharing the struggles of my real life (and laughing at myself through it all). I have never been ashamed of being open about the hardships I’ve faced on my journey, and how it was those very hardships that led me to the life I live today. From having a newborn in college and living off of $60 monthly grocery budget, to the unfiltered realities of motherhood, to navigating life with an anxiety disorder, nothing is off-limits when it comes to my content.  My community has allowed me to show up as my authentic self, and in turn, has helped shape this incredible environment where others can show up exactly as they are too, without fear of shame or judgment.

In 2020 you launched Sol Sister, a lifestyle brand selling affordable clothing and water-resistant jewelry, custom designed by you! What was the inspiration behind the brand, and how did you lean into your entrepreneurial spirit to launch it to success? How have you combined your platform with Sol Sister to be a vehicle for women’s empowerment?  

As my presence on social media grew, my community began asking for a physical representation of my family.  I really wanted to create something that was not only unique, but that also carried deep meaning, while simultaneously helping others to feel more beautiful and confident in themselves. The entrepreneur in me wanted an item that could live independently from who “Mama Shocks” is and thus, SOL SISTER was born.  We started off by creating three custom pendants, two of which represented our daughters, and the third represented our family as whole. We started out by packaging orders in our garage but it has now grown into a full-scale business with over 130 SKUs!

Our main focus when it comes to our products is that they are high-quality and affordable.  My community is made up of young women, many of which who are in college or just starting off in “the real world” and likely do not have a lot of discretionary funds.  We want all women, despite your socioeconomic status, to be able to enjoy our products and feel beautiful.

SOL SISTER’s mission is to serve as a representation of strong, confident women, who stay unified and uplift one another.  We also want to lead the way as a socially conscious business. We regularly find ways to give back to women-run non-profit organizations and take a strong stance on important social justice matters that we believe in, many of which involve women’s rights.

"It’s [my community] who has made me feel most comfortable being my truest self. They have accepted me, my family, and all of our chaos with open arms and have truly shown me the power of women supporting other women, especially inside of the hypercritical-beast that is social media."

You often speak of the adoration and admiration you have for your own community of soul sisters—Who has made the biggest impact on your journey?

It may sound cliché, but my mom has been my inspiration and biggest champion. She and I have similar backgrounds in that she, too, had me at a very young age. I was raised as an only child and grew up watching her climb the ladder of success at her job. She never complained about our situation and always did everything she could to ensure I never wanted for anything.  At the same time, she always encouraged me and trusted me to make decisions for myself. When I made mistakes, she held my hand as I walked through them. She remains my biggest cheerleader and best friend, and truly embodies everything I want to be as a woman and a mother to my three daughters.

Every week you join your community on Instagram Live for “Unwined Wednesday” offering a place for unfiltered banter and connection. What have you learned from your community? 

My community thrives on genuine, organic  conversation, which is exactly what happens during my weekly lives. Unwined Wednesday has played a pivotal role in not only my growth on this platform, but also in building such a strong bond with my community. They never cease to amaze me.  They are enthusiastic, dedicated, funny and most of all, supportive. They cheer for not only me, but for each other and honestly, don’t judge.  Despite their personal challenges or differences, they are proof that it is possible to band together and support one another. 

It’s them who have made me feel most comfortable being my truest self. They have accepted me, my family, and all of our chaos with open arms and have truly shown me the power of women supporting other women, especially inside of the hypercritical-beast that is social media.

As a creative entrepreneur, how do you hope to drive innovation through the stories you tell?

When it comes to my content, I aim to take a much more in-the-moment, non-curated approach.  I think it helps serve as an example for others to help them foster their own community based on their real life. I hope it gives them the courage to take the leap and find their own purpose on this platform and inspires them to never try to be something they are not or be ashamed of where they came from.

What advice can you share for women who want to connect with their entrepreneurship spirit?

Find your passion – what inspires you – what makes you happy. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight, and that sometimes your passion won’t pay the bills for a long time.  You must believe in yourself, stick with it, believe you can succeed, and have a clear vision of what you want to create. Don’t be afraid of failure, it happens to the best of us. Instead, use it as fuel to propel you to success.

Building & Becoming: How Two Women Are Assembling Empowered Voices

A voice is uncovered—not manufactured. It takes a deep sense of self and hard work to consciously become the very person you’re meant to be. But once uncovered, it’s something to celebrate—especially with others. Because when others can see themselves in you, their voices are enabled too. Building communities and connecting these voices lays the groundwork for empowered generations to come. 

 In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the stories of two influential Black women—Hayet Rida and Dr. Ijeoma Kola—who are using their voices to build a world where becoming the best version of yourself is always possible. Through cherished narratives and an honest approach to storytelling, influencer and creative strategist Hayet Rida is imparting a much needed perspective that lends a new voice to the influencer landscape. Historian and content creator Dr. Ijeoma Kola is a champion for Black women’s health, education, and empowerment, who combined her love for learning with education and mentorship, to inspire the next generation of multi-hyphenate scholars and creators. 

As a result, their communities have catalyzed opportunities for future change makers to share their truth and rise to their potential as leaders and creators. Ahead, the two dynamic voices share how they create environments that foster meaningful growth, moments that have impacted their purpose, and advice for women pursuing their dreams.

Dr. Ijeoma Kola

You’re the Founder of Cohort Sistas, a digital non profit supporting and empowering Black women who are pursuing doctoral degrees. What was the lightbulb moment for Cohort Sistas and why was it important to create a digital community? 

I started playing with the idea of starting a digital community for Black women pursuing doctoral degrees at the start of the summer of 2020. I was one year post-PhD, and finally had enough distance from it that I was able to think more clearly about the challenges of my PhD program and how I could make the process easier for anyone else who decided to pursue that journey. Ultimately, it was a close relationship with one of my friends who also completed her doctoral degree in 2019 that helped me push through. We wrote together each week, held each other accountable, encouraged one another when we each wanted to quit, and were able to talk openly about the fact that institutions of higher education were not created for people who looked like us. Once the pandemic hit and people started having these conversations about police brutality and systematic racism, my first thought was oh my goodness, Black women who were already one of the few or the only in their doctoral program, who had already been dealing with racism and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom, would now have to try to create bonds with their classmates over Zoom?! I had spent the past ten years building a robust digital community through my blog, so I figured I could apply the concept of digital communities to support Black women pursuing doctoral degrees in this moment when they needed it the most. And Cohort Sistas was born.

As a historian, postdoctoral research fellow, and a champion for Black women’s health and education, can you share an experience that stands out highlighting the lack of infrastructure to support Black women in pursuit of doctoral degrees?

There’s so much data about the lack of mentorship, resources, and community for Black women pursuing doctoral degrees — on average, we take longer to finish, accrue more debt, and are less likely to find employment in academic spaces than our white counterparts. Because I held an external fellowship and had income from my blog to support my studies, I didn’t struggle financially through my doctoral program in the way that many people do. But I could have easily been someone who spent 8, 9, or even 10 years working on my degree, because I didn’t have enough mentorship and guidance during my program. But beyond finances and mentorship there was never a concern for how racial injustice could impact my performance as a student. In my second year, I took an incomplete in a class because I was physically unable to bring my fingers to type my final paper about bioethics after a grand jury chose not to indict the police officers who killed Michael Brown. My professor at the time didn’t care why I was unable to finish my paper. He didn’t ask about how I was doing or how that egregious example of injustice made me unable to write about justice in this class. He just gave me an incomplete and gave me a deadline by when I had to submit the paper so that I could get credit for the course. To him, justice was a theoretical issue, but for me, it was a real life issue. 

The Cohort Sistas community has over 2,000 Black women representing 40+ countries across a wide variety of academic disciplines. What have you learned from the women in your community?

I already knew Black women were resilient because hello, we’re still here despite it all, but there are Cohort Sistas who are working full time and doing their doctorate and they’ve got kids and they’re publishing papers and they’re still making time for their friendships and personal well-being. And everyone is driven by a true passion to use their research and scholarship to make a difference in their communities and the world — because let’s face it, nobody gets a doctoral degree for the money. The Cohort Sistas community has brought me so much joy and hope, and they’ve taught me the power of the combination of passion and grit.  

Your community—both online and off—spans different cultures, time zones, and areas of academic expertise. How do you create an environment that fosters meaningful connections?

The first step was creating a community that did not live on a social media platform. As much as social media can be a tool for connection, it's hard to form real, meaningful bonds with people in the midst of all the distractions of memes, ads, and videos. We have a special members-only platform, which will hopefully grow to a standalone app soon, and the community culture is based on some of my personal values: transparency and respect. We encourage people to be their full selves in Cohort Sistas, especially because we often have to be incredibly buttoned up in academic spaces since any of our shortcomings can be and often are projected onto our entire community. We have just as many social events as we do professional development events, and our mentorship program is a small group model to encourage people to create small tight-knit relationships. Community and connection is at the heart of what Cohort Sistas does, and without it, we would just be another professional development program. Meaningful connections to support Black women and non-binary people through graduate school was always the goal.

Your impact as a mentor is undeniable—who made the biggest impact on your own growth and development?

I’m going to have to shout out two people. My mom was such an amazing example of a woman who chased her dreams, did things her own way in spite of what her family or friends thought (which came back to bite her when I decided to follow in her footsteps!), and truly lived in service to others, without losing herself. She undoubtedly shaped who I am as a person, mom, wife, and leader. Secondly, I have to recognize one of my mentors, Dr. LaShawnDa Pittman. For the past year, she has been the wise and witty Black woman professor that I needed to help guide me ten years ago when I started my PhD. Since meeting her, she has equipped me with so much confidence in my own navigation of academic spaces, and she encourages me to continue doing the work of Cohort Sistas by affirming its importance. She’s an example that I’ve never had until now — a Black woman who is carving out her own lane in academia without thinking it’s the end all be all of her life. She’s basically my academic fairy godmother! 

Outside of academia, you’re a seasoned content creator who uses compelling storytelling and imagery to create joyful and relatable lifestyle content. What inspires you? 

My name inspires me! In the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria, Ijeoma means travel well or safe journey. I had people call me by a nickname up until I finished college, but something about turning 21 created this urgency in me to really embrace my name and start enjoying my life journey. I was the kind of person who had a meticulous 10-year plan, but all that went out the window when a long-term relationship ended in college and I decided to forego my childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor. So I decided to just live and trust that God would figure it out so that I didn’t have to. I first started documenting my journey of learning to care for my natural hair, and then I just started sharing and capturing different parts of my life as I matured and developed. I’m constantly exploring, trying out, and learning new things. If you follow me long enough you’ll see I’m the queen of the pivot — I’m really into sharing tales of motherhood one second and the next I’m teaching myself how to renovate a house, because why not?!  

What’s the number one piece of advice you have for women pursuing higher education?

You don’t have to do it alone. You need people beside you, who are going through the doctoral journey with you and know exactly what you’re dealing with. You need people ahead of you, to provide mentorship and guide you along your journey. And you need people behind you, who have no idea what the heck you’re doing, don’t understand your research or why you have to spend 15 hours reading for class or running experiments, but who will continue to push and encourage you. Find your people, and you will be able to make it through, even when it seems impossible.

Hayet Rida

You’re the founder of Hayet Rida, a lifestyle blog created as a self love haven. What inspired you to create this radically inclusive space and why do you think it resonated with so many people?

My favorite quote is you cannot heal what you don't reveal. Which is from Jay-Z, in case anyone wants to know. I've always believed in the power of telling my story no matter how imperfect it is because when people see themselves in you, they have permission to be who they are no matter if it's for one day.

You have this undeniable ability to connect with your community through personal anecdotes and inspiring messages of self love—and awareness. How do you create an environment that fosters meaningful connections?

The best part about fostering meaningful connections is that you don't have to try. The power comes from telling your real story without shame.

You’ve paved a wide path for women to own their truth as creators. Can you share a challenge you had to overcome when championing this path that speaks to your experience as a Black woman?

So many times you are up against who trends say you should be and who you know you should be. So there were many times where I got caught up in the "grow your following, do what your audience wants to see, make all the money", but I had to make those mistakes to realize it wasn't worth it. Which is why I continue to encourage women that you do not have to create a life, the one you have is always enough.

You encourage the idea of seizing and accepting the ups and downs of personal discovery, reminding others that “each time you think you have found yourself, the journey only begins again.” Who has made the biggest impact on your journey?

Myself. I have overcome so much, and oftentimes I will look back and be amazed at what happened when I embrace failure instead of escaping it.

Along with offering gracious advice to those who may be struggling, you’re a dedicated mentor through your influencer learning platform—The Rida Collective. What have you learned from your community? 

The best thing I have learned from my community is that so many women have stories and experiences that the world deserves to hear but they get caught up in always double guessing if their story is worth sharing. And they remind me to continue to unapologetically share mine.

You opened up to your audience about rebirth, and how you often like to re-introduce yourself to yourself as an exercise to remain present and aware of who you’re becoming. Have you ever uncovered something unexpected that led to growth or an increased sense of purpose? 

Over the last couple of years, I have found myself in many medical situations that put you on a surgeon's table about to be put to sleep for surgery. There is a magic in those moments where you promise yourself that if your eyes open, you will live more urgently. That always drives my purpose.

Outside of content creation you founded Aiya Candle Co and The Rida Book Co. brands that both build on your message of authenticity and celebrate the trust in oneself to make your dreams a reality.  What advice can you share for women on cultivating the confidence to go after their dreams? 

I think the most important message is to realize that confidence isn't like filling your fuel tank to get you through, it is a muscle you build as you go. It's not about waiting till you have the confidence, or the time, or the patience. It's about taking the leap , knowing that failure is your fuel.

How to Set Personal Goals for 2022

As we close out the last few months of 2021, it’s time to prepare yourself to make the most out of the new year. Most people set resolutions for themselves at the start of a fresh year, but to really prioritize success, let’s focus on setting personal goals! Get specific about what you want to achieve and accomplish in 2022: we gathered these handy tips from entrepreneurs that are passionate about helping women succeed to make sure your goals are realistic and attainable and you’ll be crossing them off your “to-do” list in no time!

#1 Know the difference between goals and intentions.

“We’re all about goals, trust. But it’s not where we start. Instead, begin by taking some time to think about how you want to FEEL in 2022 and get clarity on your intentions for the new year. What’s the difference between a goal and an intention? A goal should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timebound. It should have a quantifiable number in it and a date by which it will happen. An intention is more of an overarching plan for what you want to bring about.” - Natalie Underdown, Ph.D., Executive Coach & Organizational Psychologist, The Nu Company

#2 Start out by figuring out your big picture needs.

“Intentions should provide answers to the following questions: What feelings would my 2022 best self feel on a regular basis? What overarching impact do I want to make in this new year? What am I ready to let go of? How does my WHY play into all of this? Both goals and intentions are important, but it’s way more effective to start with your big picture intentions and THEN create the specific goals/targets that will get you there!” - Natalie Underdown, Ph.D., Executive Coach & Organizational Psychologist, The Nu Company

#3 Get some accountability.

“Whether it’s simply writing your top 3 goals down on a whiteboard that you see everyday, or telling a couple of your close friends or colleagues your plans, do something that will keep you accountable to your goals. Using affirmative language may also help. For example, instead of saying “I’d like to launch my business by June 2022”, write “I will launch my business by June 2022.” Just seeing or hearing those positive affirmations will give you a boost of confidence and help you believe that you will actually achieve your aim.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

#4 Go from macro to micro.

“Instead of setting one huge goal like “start my own business,” break it up into smaller, actionable steps—with the overarching result in mind. Maybe your January goal will be to register your business with the state and trademark your business name. Then in February, you’ll have outlined a simple-yet-formal business plan along with 5 website pages. And by the end of March, you’ll have the goal to make that website live and launch your business. Getting super specific in the baby steps it takes to hit a bigger, overarching goal will make it feel much more attainable and less overwhelming.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

#5 Be resilient.

“Remember that not everything comes easily—especially when it comes to lofty goals. Before you commit to tackling them, get your mind right! Don’t let setbacks throw you off course. Instead, use your passion and positive mindset to persevere. Accept that reaching your goals is playing the long game, and that any obstacles you overcome will make your achievements that much sweeter in the end.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

About the author: Leila Lewis is the CEO and founder of Be Inspired PR and The Social Remodel, an expert on the business of weddings, social media, real estate marketing, experiential events, and a mother of 4.

About the author: Dr. Natalie Underdown is an executive coach and organizational psychologist. After spending 15+ years in Corporate Leadership and Human Capital Consulting, at companies including Accenture and Live Nation, she founded The NU Company in 2018, a boutique consultancy offering executive coaching, workshops, and people & culture consulting. She artfully weaves psychology, wellness, inclusion, and science-backed strategies together to offer mindful support for the whole person at work.

About the author: Jenna Miller is Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide, a women-owned and operated wedding website that plays venue matchmaker for engaged couples. Working for a bootstrapped small business has taught Jenna a lot about entrepreneurship, the importance of company culture, and embracing a gritty everything-is-figureoutable mentality. After a decade in the wedding marketing trenches, Jenna launched her side hustle Absolute JEM, where she focuses on building bold brands and websites for female-owned small businesses. 

Featured image: Color Joy Stock

12 New Books Perfect for Your Book Club

Book club picks can be tough. After all, you want to choose a read that's juicy enough to rival the syrah that's flowing at your next meeting. If you’re looking for some recommendations that will impress everyone (even the pickiest bookworms) in your group, then you’ve come to the right place. From a chilling thriller about missing women to an unlikely friendship formed in a library, here are some great reads that will keep the discussion (and wine) flowing whether you're meeting virtually or IRL.

"Shooting Out the Lights" by Kim Fairley

When Kim Fairley was twenty-four, she fell in love with a man who was fifty-seven named Vern. Shortly after getting married, Kim became pregnant, and then things really took a turn. Haunted by Vern’s past, “Shooting Out the Lights” is a mysterious and page-turning memoir that deals with marriage, gun violence, and healing.

"Radiant Fugitives" by Nawaaz Ahmed

Seema was exiled from her family by her father after coming out as lesbian but made a great life for herself in San Francisco working as a consultant for Kamala Harris’s attorney general campaign. When Seema finds herself nine months pregnant and no longer with the Black father of her unborn child, she reunites with her mother and sister. This reunion is far from the comfort Seema expects when the three women confront the past and tension rises.

"Write My Name Across the Sky" by Barbara O’Neal

Gloria Rose is an influencer in her 70s living in the Upper West Side who has everything she could want in life. When her ex is arrested for art theft and forgery, Gloria’s first instinct is to flee before the FBI can put together the pieces and find out she was involved in a decades-old crime. An unexpected visit from her nieces puts that plan on hold. Willow has a failed album and a broken heart, and Sam is close to losing her video game company and the man she loves. Together, the three women must not only confront their problems and rely on each other.

"So We Meet Again" by Suzanne Park

Jessie Kim is laid off for not only being a woman but an Asian woman. After losing her temper and letting everyone know how she feels after being let go, she moves back in with her parents in her hometown in Tennessee. When she runs into her childhood nemesis, Daniel Choi, a lawyer, Daniel offers to help Jessie relaunch her Korean cooking channel, and just after she reluctantly accepts, the rivalry is back on.

"Riding High in April" by Jackie Townsend

A tech entrepreneur attempts his latest creation: COMPASS, an open-source network platform that Microsoft has described as “reckless.” With his reputation at stake, his funds limited, and his relationship at risk with the only woman he’s ever loved. When she shows up in Seoul to be with him during her own self-discovery of who she is, she finds that living in Asia changes her more than either of them ever expected. 

"Dark Roads" by Chevy Stevens

The Cold Creek Highway is a five hundred-mile stretch through the wilderness of British Columbia’s mountains and has been the scene of missing and murdered women for decades with little to no cases solved. Hailey McBride decides to use this to her advantage, believing that if she runs away from home and her controlling police officer uncle, she will have everyone convinced she is just another victim of the highway. One year later, Beth Chevalier arrives in town and gets a job at the same diner her sister, Amber, who was murdered, worked at. Hailey and Beth’s storylines start to merge as Beth tries to investigate the death of her sister, threatening to expose Hailey’s plan. 

"The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams

Mukesh is a widower who lives a quiet life in West London and worries about his granddaughter, Priya, who spends all of her time alone in her bedroom reading. Aleisha is an intelligent teenager who is spending her summer working at the local library and comes across a list of books she’s never heard of. Determined to read every book on the list, Aleisha uses these stories to provide the escapism she needs from her home life. When Mukesh visits the library in an attempt to get closer to Priya, Aleisha gives him a copy of the list, and soon the two form an unlikely friendship.

"Sugar Birds" by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

Harris Hayes has been teaching his daughter Aggie all about the northern woods for as long as she can remember. Hoping to help her mother cope with her depression, Aggie climbs a tree to draw a picture of a bird’s nest only to end up causing an accidental fire. Aggie escapes downriver and ends up in an untamed forest praying to never be found. Meanwhile, Celia arrives at a nearby farm and joins the search party for Aggie only to end up in a love triangle with two men.

"The Long-Lost Jules" by Jane Elizabeth Hughes

Just wanting to live a life of privacy, Amy’s quiet lifestyle is interrupted by her half-sister that she’s estranged from, and a man named Leo. Leo believes Amy is the long-lost descendant of Henry VIII’s last Queen, Katherine Parr. Amy thinks Leo is either dangerous or delirious. Harboring secrets of her own, Amy reluctantly joins Leo in an investigation into Queen Katherine’s lost baby only to find themselves not only falling for one another but keeping secrets that could rip them apart.

"Velvet Was the Night" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

Taking place in Mexico City in the 1970s, Maite envies her beautiful next-door neighbor Leonora and the lifestyle she never had. When Leonora disappears, Maite begins to investigate her disappearance at the same time as Elvis, a criminal looking to escape his own life. Soon, Elvis becomes intrigued by Maite in his search for Leonora.  As Maite and Elvis come closer to the truth to what happened to Leonora, they find themselves much closer to danger than they expected.

"The Show Girl" by Nicola Harrison

It’s 1927 in New York City when Olive McCormick arrives to make it as a star in the Ziegfeld Follies. With her wish coming true, the talented dancer and singer becomes enamored with the glamour her new lifestyle has to offer. When she meets Archie Carmichael, it seems like fate. He is the only man who accepts her for who she truly is. However, after his proposal, that acceptance becomes reluctance and Olive must choose between the life she’s always dreamed of and the love that could fade away in a second.

"The Heart Principle" by Helen Hoang

Anna Sun becomes an overnight sensation when a YouTube video of the violinist goes viral. After feeling burned out from trying to replicate the moment she became a sensation, her boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship. Shocked and angry, Anna agrees only to look for the most unacceptable suitors. After a string of failed romantic encounters with a tattooed biker named Quan, Anna finds herself falling for Quan on an emotional level. When tragedy strikes Anna’s family and her life starts to become too much, Anna and Quan realize what sacrifices must be made for them to find themselves and stay with one another.

Image: Courtesy of Garrett Billings

About the author: From upstate New York, Gare has been part of Bookstagram since 2017 where he found a community of people to bond with over a love of reading. Combined with his love of books and movies, he's the guy who loves to create a Hollywood cast as part of the review process for his favorite books. Growing up, he loved thriller and horror movies and could not get enough of the Goosebump and Fear Street books; the Scholastic book fair was his second Christmas. Now as a blogger, he gets the same enjoyment when a nice pile of book mail comes through the door.

Featured image: Color Joy Stock