A Love Letter to Stories

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m always reading something. Between managing a photography business, raising three kids, and trying to remember what day it is, books are my escape. They’re my therapy. They’re the thing I do at 10pm when everyone else is asleep and I finally get five minutes of peace.

So I thought I’d share some of the books that have been keeping me company lately. If you’re looking for your next read, maybe one of these will call to you too.

**Kristin Hannah’s “Between Sisters“**

Okay, this one might actually take the cake. I finished it earlier this year, and I’m still thinking about it. It’s the kind of book that makes you reflect on your own siblings, your own family dynamics, and all the complicated love that holds us together even when we’re falling apart.

Kristin Hannah has this gift for writing about family in a way that feels so real, so raw, and so deeply human. “Between Sisters” is no exception. It’s about two sisters with a complicated past, and watching them navigate their relationship, their trauma, and their path back to each other? It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking and hopeful all at once.

If you’ve read anything by Kristin Hannah before (The Nightingale, The Great Alone or The Women–AMAZING), you know what you’re getting into. But if you haven’t? Start with this one. Fair warning: you might cry.

**”Theo of Golden” (Ongoing)**

I’m still in the middle of this one, but I’m really enjoying it. There’s something about a good ongoing read—it gives you something to look forward to, something to escape into night after night. I’m not done yet, but I’m loving the journey so far.

**”The Calamity Club” (Audiobook)**

This audiobook has been an absolute dream. There’s something magical about a great narrator bringing a story to life, and this one just works. The Calamity Club has been keeping me company during my drive times and my morning madness house cleaning moments. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes you want to take the long way home just to hear more of the story.

**”The Help” (Audiobook from Back in the Day)**

I have to give a shout-out to “The Help” (same author as Calamity Club Kathryn Stockett) because it was genuinely top-notch. I listened to it years ago, and it stuck with me. There’s a reason this book became such a phenomenon—it’s powerful, it’s important, and it’s masterfully told. If you haven’t experienced it yet, I highly recommend the audiobook version.

**”Trust” and “In The Distance“**

Both of these were interesting finds, and I have Oliver Jeffers‘ newsletter to thank for the recommendations. (Yes, the illustrator/author—his newsletter is always reading my mind and enlightening me not to mention full of good book recommendations.) “Trust” and “In The Distance” both offer something different, something worth thinking about. They’re the kind of reads that stay with you.

**”The Sirens“**

This one kept things interesting, I’ll give it that. It has this atmospheric, fantasy quality that drew me in. But if I’m being honest? The fantasy elements didn’t always tie together the way I hoped they would. It’s still worth reading if you’re looking for something atmospheric and different, but it’s not without its rough edges.

**”The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives“**

This was a book club pick with my friends, and while I expected a little more from it, I still enjoyed the journey. There’s something fun about reading books with a group—you get to discuss them, debate them, see them through someone else’s eyes. Sometimes those “fine but not amazing” reads are the best ones for book club discussion anyway.

**Why I Read**

You know what’s funny? People often ask me how I have time to read with three kids and a photography business. The answer is: I am playing catch up. I didn’t read much AT ALL growing up, but now I crave a good read, a good escape if you will. It’s how I escape into other people’s stories, other people’s worlds, for a little while.

And honestly? Reading makes me a better photographer. When you spend time in stories—real ones, fictional ones, emotional ones—you understand human connection deeper. You understand what matters. You start seeing moments differently. You start capturing the things that really matter.

So if you’re looking for your next read, if you’re searching for a story that will stay with you, I hope one of these finds its way into your hands. And if you read any of them, I’d love to hear what you think.

What are you reading right now? Hit reply or send me a message—I love talking books.

With warmth and a good book,
Mary 💛

P.S. – If you’re also navigating the beautiful chaos of being a mom, a business owner, and a reader trying to find five minutes of peace? You’re doing great. Keep reading. Keep dreaming. Keep finding moments of joy in the stories that capture your heart.