My intention behind "5 Things" came from the fact that we all go through so many seasons with food, relationships, TV shows, spiritual growth, body movement, etc. I'm always curious what other people love and currently can't get enough of. Out of that curiosity (maybe also me being nosey and assuming you are too), came "5 Things." Each month, I am aiming to share the five things that are my current jam - from Netflix binges to work out videos, recipes to can't-put-it-down fiction.

Whether you are headed to the beach, lounging on the couch in the a/c or hanging out on your deck, here are some fun reads by some of my favorite authors.

1. Elin Hilderbrand

The first book I read of Elin's was "The Matchmaker." I loved the interesting narrative and fell in love with Nantucket. Her Christmas-themed "Winter" series just made me happy. (And no judgement if you start there even though it's July. Christmas in July is a thing for a reason, folks.) Her stuff isn't fluffy - it involves the crap of real life, but it's done with engaging dialogue and backstory with a gorgeous backdrop.

Here are some of my favorites!

2. Nancy Thayer

These books feel pretty similar to Elin's, but with a little less changing up of the narrative. If you are looking for a classic beach read with romance and a fair amount of drama, this author has your back. (Also, Nancy has some Christmas books - eek! I'm letting my true holiday spirit shine through here. I love me some Christmas!)

3. Katie Fforde

I fell in love with this writer through her delicate details of wild gardens and unruly estates. Katie is a British author who writes of the fairly typical 20/30-something woman figuring out her life and finding a fellow at the same time in her books. Although typical, they are really fun books that make me want to live in England and have elderberry water and wine spritzers (#summergoals).

4. Laura Dave

"Eight Hundred Grapes" is so far my favorite of Laura's books. The main character has some news that puts a pause on her life and sends her home to her family's vineyard. Wine, romance and finding yourself - enough reason to pick it up? I think so!

Pass on "London is the Best City in America," but pick up "The First Husband." I am still waiting to read her most recent book, "Hello Sunshine."

5. Liane Moriarty

"Big Little Lies" has gotten a lot of attention since HBO did a miniseries on it this summer. I liked the book more (That's usually the case though, isn't it?), but I still enjoyed the series. Liane has some other great books if you like her style.