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January Reads: How I Fell in Love with Books at 38

January book reads for the month

Let me start by saying this: Iโ€™m 38 years old, and until recently, I didnโ€™t think Iโ€™d ever be someone whoย lovesย to read. Growing up, I struggled to focus on books because of my ADHD and ADD. Self-help books were the only ones I could dabble in, but even those were hard to finish.

Everything changed when I decided to give romcom books a try. Since I adore Hallmark movies and romantic comedies, I figured,ย why not try reading something similar?ย So December 2024, I did some research, found a few Christmas-themed books to start with (Tis’ The Season) โ€”and I was instantly hooked!

Now, I read every night instead of watching TV. Itโ€™s been incredible for my anxiety, helping me relax and wind down without that stressful blue light. I feel more peaceful, less short-tempered, and honestly, more me. Reading has become my favorite form of self-care, and Iโ€™m so excited to share my January reading list with you!

January TBR (To-Be-Read) List

Here are the books Iโ€™ll be reading this month, along with links so you can join me.

1. Wyattย by Jessica Peterson

Why Iโ€™m excited: A cowboy romance full of humor and heartโ€”sounds like the perfect cozy read.

2. Lost and Lassoedย by Lyla Sage

Why Iโ€™m excited: This Western romance caught my attention with its mix of love and adventure.

3. Swift and Saddledย by Lyla Sage

Why Iโ€™m excited: Continuing Lyla Sageโ€™s series with another charming cowboy story.

4. Done and Dustedย by Lyla Sage

Why Iโ€™m excited: The final book in this series, tying up all the cowboy romance drama.

5. Secretly Yoursย by Tessa Bailey

Why Iโ€™m excited: Tessa Bailey is a romcom queen, and this one promises to be swoony and spicy.

6. Exes & Oโ€™sย by Amy Lea

Why Iโ€™m excited: A second-chance romance thatโ€™s perfect for kicking off the new year.

7. So Not Meant to Beย by Meghan Quinn

Why Iโ€™m excited: A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with quirky charactersโ€”right up my alley.

What Youโ€™ll Find Here

Iโ€™ll be updating this blog post throughout January as I read each book. Iโ€™ll share my thoughts, reviews, and photos of my favorite moments from the stories. So, be sure to check back often or follow along with me on Instagram/TIK TOK for real-time updates! Better yet- Let’s be friends on Goodreads.

Why Reading Has Been Life-Changing for Me

In just a month, reading has become such a game-changer for my mental health and overall happiness. Hereโ€™s what Iโ€™ve noticed:

โ€ข Less Anxiety: Getting lost in a story helps me forget the stress of the day.

โ€ข Better Sleep: Swapping TV for a book before bed helps me fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.

โ€ข More Patience: Iโ€™m calmer and more grounded, even in hectic moments.

โ€ข Daily Joy:ย Thereโ€™s nothing like curling up with a cozy blanket and a great bookโ€”itโ€™s my favorite โ€œme time.โ€ Since it’s winter time- bubble baths and books have been my recent obsession. ULTIMATE COMBO!

The Benefits of Reading

If youโ€™re on the fence about reading, here are some fun facts that might convince you to give it a try:

โ€ข Reading can reduce stress by up to 68%, according to a study by the University of Sussex.

โ€ข It strengthens your brain and improves memory.

โ€ข Fiction books, like romcoms, can increase empathy by letting you see life through someone elseโ€™s perspective.

โ€ข Itโ€™s a great way to take a break from screens, which is so important for mental health.

Pair Your Reading with Cozy Vibes

Books and comfort go hand in hand, and nothing pairs better with a good story than a warm bowl of soup. Check out myย Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipeย for the ultimate cozy night inโ€”itโ€™s easy, delicious, and perfect for winter! Or, if youโ€™re looking for ways to make January extra fun, head over to myย January Bucket Listย for inspiration.

Letโ€™s Chat

Have you read any of these books? Let me know in the commentsโ€”Iโ€™d love to hear your thoughts! And if you have recommendations for my February reads, please share them. Iโ€™m always on the hunt for new favorites-especially being a newbie- I’m clueless.

FTC Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blogโ€”it allows me to keep creating content like this!

Reading has been such a gift for my soul, and I hope this post inspires you to pick up a book and join me on this journey. Hereโ€™s to a January filled with great stories, cozy vibes, and lots of self-care.

XOXO, Ashton

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