On The Sunny Side #8 Q1 Most Anticipated Reads

The never-ending tbr list keeps growing

On The Sunny Side is a weekly round-up where I share a few sunny things that have brightened my days, what I’m reading, watching, and obsessing over too.

Happy Sunday all! On Friday, Chicago finally got some snow and my household (aka Bennet) is thriving. I personally see no point of the grey, blah, Chicago winters without the added beauty of snow. There’s just something about it that makes the freezing temperatures worth it. To wake up, look out your window and see a blanket of fresh snowfall before the black sludge hits, *dreamy*.

Since I’m talking about the weather, I’m truly devastated and terrified for everyone (and every animal) in LA who has been affected by the fires.

I’m linking two posts, from theSkimm, that have a ton of helpful information. This resource guide for local shelters, etc and this guide for where to donate if you can. We donated to the Pasadena Humane animal shelter who have been caring for 300+ displaced animals. My heart truly goes out to everyone in LA, and I can only hope the fires get contained soon.

And, not the most eloquent, segue but I am hoping this week’s Sunny Side brings you a little extra joy in this gut-wrenching week. On a personal note, I wrapped up editing the last three chapters of my current draft (woooooo!!!) I’m going to go back and fix a few sections in the act one, tighten certain scenes, and hope to cut ~5k words cuz ya girl got a little carried away. After that’s all fixed, I want to send it out to my beta readers (also, eeekk!) If you read last Sunday’s Sunny Side, then you’ll know one of my 2025 resolutions was to try out a new Chicago coffee shop twice a month, and last Sunday we tried Werewolf Coffee Bar in Bucktown. I got an almond croissant latte and my hubs got the log cabin and we both loved. Bonus points for them having a parking lot!

On The Sunny Side #7 The 2025 'Mood board'

snippets from the week

Now, onto the books!

My most anticipated Q1 2025 book releases

When it comes to the books releasing in 2025 it seems we’re in for a real treat. Soooo many of my favorite authors are releasing new books this year (some, looking at you, B.K, Borison will be releasing 2)! I thought it best to condense new releases on a quarterly basis, as to not overwhelm, and possibly draw attention to upcoming books that you might want to pre-order or request from your library—not sure if everyone is aware, but requesting a title at your local library has almost as big of an impact on author sales as pre-ordering/buying.

So without further ado, let’s get into it:

these are my most anticipated Q1 2025 reads

A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young, released January 7th. A woman, is brought home for the first time in twenty years to investigate her twin brother’s mysterious death while confronting ghosts of her own haunted past. Young has a knack for ‘atmospheric’ reads that have a dash of mystery, romance, and magical realism all wrapped up in one.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams, released January 7th. Two feuding second-grade teachers find themselves teaming up in the third installment of the When in Rome series. I adored the first two in this series, and look forward to getting my hands on this one and be reunited with this fictional small-town.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo, releasing January 14th is being touted as the next Daisy Jones and the Six. It’s all about the competitive world of figure skating and has an ensemble cast so I will definitely be picking this up on audio. Everyone I’ve seen who’s read/listened to an early copy is obsessing over this one. I’m predicting this to be *the* book of the year.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, releasing January 21st. I don’t think this one needs any explanation. The widely, anticipated, third book in the Fourth Wing series that better make up for Iron Flame’s (let’s face it) rushed publishing snafu (for the record, I still loved Iron Flame, but it was basically two books smushed into one).

First Time Caller by B.K. Borison, releasing February 11th. A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle inspired love story. If Bec’s writes it, I’m gonna read it.

Back After This by Linda Holmes, releasing February 25th. A podcast producer agrees to host a new series about modern dating from the author of Evvie Drake Starts Over and Flying Solo. I didn’t love Evvie, but I did enjoy Flying Solo and I’m very intrigued by this plot!

Finlay Donovan Digs her own Grave by Elle Cosimano, releasing March 4th. Ooh how I love Finlay and Vero’s ridiculous endeavors. This is another series that I just can’t get enough of. It’s also one of my most recommend books to friends looking to get back into reading.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, releasing March 4th. A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon. I mean if you aren’t hooked after that, then… McConaghy’s Once There Were Wolves was one of my top three books I read in 2023 so I expect this to be a big one for me.

Promise me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, releasing March 4th. Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman's life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance. Ready or Not by Bastone was a surprise favorite of mine last year, and boy how I want to get my hands on this one!! If anyone wants to send me an advanced copy, I would not complain :)

Like always lets close out with a reading update and a few extras:

Reading I finished The Right Thing to Do, my third Dramione, and favorite so far! All I want to do is read another fanfic, but alas my library holds are ready for pickup. I’m either going to read The Husbands or Just Haven’t Met You Yet, next.

Watching Bad Monkey still, and I binged the Martha documentary the other night. Loved. I’ve never been that interested in Martha Stewart but consider me a convert.

Listening to A Sea of Unspoken Things. Already making a dent in my most anticipated reads list and the audio is giving.

Cooking this week was semi-uninspired because I forgot we had a Hello Fresh box delivery, and I think this is my sign to dig through my recent favorite recipe post.

Obsessing over finally getting a haircut (the first one I’ve had since May bc my hairdresser was on mat leave) and also… Dramione’s.

Alright, that’s it from me! I hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday. Are there any books releasing in the first quarter of 2025 I should have add to my list?

Until next time,

MacKenzie