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.

📚 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

✨ Want more inspiration for organizing your life this spring? Sign up for the Chasing Brighter newsletter and take our free Organizational Style Quiz to discover simple systems that work for your real life.

👉 Visit https://chasingbrighter.com/newsletter/ and subscribe

Chapters

00:00 Spring Reading Inspirations

05:28 Exploring Modern Romance

11:08 Historical Narratives and Cultural Reflections

18:15 NEWCHAPTER

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

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

What if the quickest way to feel calmer isn’t another mindset shift… but clearing one small corner of your home?

February on Chasing Brighter was all about resetting our nervous systems, resting without guilt, and reconnecting with ourselves. Now as we head into March, we’re gently moving forward—starting with the space we live in every single day: our homes.

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly welcome back Diana Moll, founder of D’s Declutter and host of Organizing With Ease, for a grounded, realistic conversation about how clutter impacts stress, energy, and daily life—and how simple, sustainable systems can help your whole family function with more ease (without chasing Pinterest perfection).

• Why decluttering isn’t “having less”—it’s making room for calm and clarity
• How your home can either drain your energy or help restore it
• The real challenge: not starting… but maintaining your systems
• How to stop comparing your home to “perfect” online spaces and meet yourself where you are
• Kid-friendly routines that actually work (and yes… the legendary “black bag” story 😅)
• Why “one minute” in the morning is everything—and how night-before prep reduces stress
• Decision fatigue, busy family life, and creating routines that support real schedules
• Seasonal organization tips (boots, coats, rain gear, ski gear, and the “drop zone” problem)

• • Create a simple landing zone (shoes, jackets, backpacks) so clutter stops spreading
  • Pick one “pain point” area (laundry, dishes, papers) and build a system around that first
  • Try “night-before” prep: clothes out, water bottle filled, bags packed = calmer mornings
  • Experiment for two weeks before deciding what works for your household

Celebrate small wins—progress sticks when it feels rewarding

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Social Media Collaboration

02:05 Resetting Our Nervous Systems and Decluttering

06:01 Creating Calm Spaces at Home

12:02 Establishing Routines for Families

16:08 Seasonal Organization Tips

20:05 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Checklists

29:57 Conclusion and Resources

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

Resources:

Get the free download here

Find out more about Diana’s Coaching at D’s Declutter by Diana Moll

Organizing with Ease Podcast by Diana Moll

decluttering, organization, home, routines, family, mental health, stress relief, seasonal tips, checklists, productivity

What if dinner didn’t have to be a nightly battle, but could actually become your family’s secret weapon for connection?

In this honest and relatable episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into two things adults were wildly unprepared for:

1. Managing your body after injury without overdoing it.

2. Deciding what’s for dinner… every single day… for the rest of your life. 😅

Jessica shares her intentional return-to-gym protocol after her recent car accident, including her “no more than level 5 pain” rule and what it looks like to truly listen to your body instead of pushing through. The conversation weaves into something just as real: parenting, picky eaters, meal fatigue, and how dinner has quietly become one of the most emotionally loaded moments of the day.

But here’s the twist, what if dinner isn’t about food at all?

Inspired by insights from the parenting podcast Fluster Clux, Jessica and Kelly explore powerful strategies for navigating picky eating without shame, pressure, or nightly negotiations.

• Why Jessica created a strict pain-monitoring workout protocol after her accident

• The hidden danger of pushing through pain too soon

• The mental health role movement plays in stress regulation

• “Cook Once, Eat All Week” and realistic meal prep for busy families

• High-protein recipe inspiration from Jalal’s Fit (Instagram/TikTok favorite)

• What ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) actually is — and why most picky eaters don’t meet criteria

• The surprising research on how many times kids may need exposure to a food before liking it (hint: it’s more than you think)

• Why dinner should be about connection — not consumption

• The game-changing shift: putting food on the plate without commentary

• How removing shame at the table led to unexpected wins

If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just stick to a planner?” — you’re not alone.

We created a free Organizational Style Quiz to help you discover how your brain actually works, so you can stop copying Instagram systems and start building ones that fit your real life.

👉 Grab it when you join our Thrive Guide newsletter at chasingbrighter.com

Come hang out with us on social at @ChasingBrighter and let us know: What’s one small shift that made dinner (or workouts… or parenting) feel easier in your home?

Because brighter living isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. 💛