The Elementary Darling

Back to 2016 we go!

1. Snapchat filters were very in.

2. So were heavy side parts.

3. I very much overworked myself with multiple room transformations a year because I had the most amazing first graders.

4. Just realized how obsessive I was about sub plans. They look different these days 😂

5. Became an official .com! Look at that website background!

6. Left first grade, my friends, and an amazing school to move closer to home.

7. Started in second grade, struggled with different dynamics and expectations. I’m still at the same school (year 10 there) and I’ve learned so much through our changes and grown a lot.

8. Went to my first TPT conference, brought my selfie stick everywhere, and forced these girls to become my best friends.

9. Stood on a LOT of tables and desks to teach. My students took many pictures that year of things we did in the classroom.

10. Made a best friend in a brand new teacher. Side note: they make great friends and they are always so excited about teaching that it renews the excitement of my old lady self. Highly recommend!

I loved seeing what top 25 books of 2025 were so I decided to make my own! Have you read any of these? What were your favorites or what will you put on your TBR for 2026? Swipe to see my favorite reads of 2025!

This was an absolute joy from Matthew Norman. After Grace and Henry lose their spouses, neither are ready to date but a beautiful friendship begins. I love the incorporation of the movie marathon and the details that went into the story. This was a wonderfully written story and my favorite Christmas read of the month. This should definitely be on your TBR for 2026!

One Golden Summer is a 5 ⭐️ read for me. I ADORE Carly Fortune’s books but especially the ones set Barry’s Bay!

Alice says she never anticipated Charlie Florek, yet I’ve been looking for Charlie Florek my whole adult life. Being invited ba k to Barry’s Bay with Charlie and the introduction of Alice was such a treat. I loved getting to see Alice and Nan’s relationship. I LOVE Nan in this book, she is such a fun character addition. Charlie took to Nan right off the bat and it was such a sweet part of the story.

Alice makes a list of things she would do if she were 17 again and then sets out to do them. Who else better to complete the list with than Charlie?

It’s safe to say I devoured this book. I enjoyed a little sneak peek of Sam and Percy’s life and all of the new characters introduced by Alice. I cannot wait to see what the TV series does with these characters! 🤞🏼

Definitely pick this one up soon or get on your library hold list soon. Best read on a boat of course!

Wow, what a new adventure from Emily Henry! This book felt like your favorite cup of coffee, wrapped in a fluffy blanket. (Yes it’s hot down here in Ga, but we still cuddle in our fuzzy blankets)

I LOVED that this book was based on the area close to where I live. I loved the tiny bits of Savannah, the island, the balmy temperature, and yes the stormy weather.

Alice and Hayden have made their way to Little Crescent Island to write the story of Margaret Ives life. Both different types of journalists, Alice has been searching for Margaret Ives while Hayden, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, is looking for his next big writing piece. They are competitors, both signing an NDA, so when they are together they can’t even compare notes. Alice is so smart, I loved how her character grew, how she figured things out, her family dynamics, and just her overall optimism.

The slight mystery in this book really had me hooked. I loved the love story, but I really fell in love with the story of Margaret Ives.

Do I think you should pick this one up? Absolutely. This was my favorite Emily Henry book to date and I’ve read them all! It had so much more depth than her previous books and I am here for it!

Holly Jolly 2024. Soaking in age 5 and B’s 6th Christmas.