What Our Team is Reading This Summer
☀️ Summer is the perfect time to slow down, recharge, and dive into a good book. Our team has been enjoying everything from light beach reads to inspiring memoirs—and we’re excited to share what’s been on our nightstands lately. 📚
We’d love to hear from you, too! Have you read any of these? What’s on your summer reading list? Drop your recommendations in the comments—we’re always looking for our next great read! 💛
Alicia Patel, Director of Foster Care
Finished: Shield of Sparrows
A romantasy with a twist at the end—perfect for fans of ACOTAR and Fourth Wing! Alicia can’t wait for the second book in the series to be released.
Emily Creech, Foster Care Licensor
Currently reading: We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
“Moyes does such a brilliant job character-building and drawing the reader into the story. It’s full of complicated family dynamics and the challenge of finding a new normal after difficult life changes.”
Valerie Flanigan, Foster Parent Support Manager and Trainer
Currently reading: Safe and Sound: Understanding, Escaping, and Healing from Domestic Violence by… Valerie Flanigan!
Yes, you read that right—our very own Valerie wrote this incredible resource. It’s designed for both survivors and advocates, offering insight, understanding, and hope. The book will be available on Amazon this September.
Heather Ameling, Foster Care Case Manager
Currently reading: Beach House Rules
“I just started, but it’s a funny and intriguing story about a ‘Mommune’—and it’s set on the beach, making it a perfect summer read.”
Amy Bowmer, Licensor/Recruiter for the Northwest Region
Currently reading: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
“It’s a light, refreshing read with a unique twist—one of the main characters is an octopus. Such a fun and imaginative story!”
Jennifer Wagner, Northeast Program Supervisor
Recently read: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
“This powerful story highlights the resiliency and survival skills of a young child growing into adulthood after being abandoned. It reminded me of the strength and perseverance many foster children carry—healing through trauma, overcoming emotional pain, and continuing to pursue happiness despite life’s challenges. A deeply moving and highly recommended read.”
✨ Books have the power to inspire reflection, spark joy, and even connect us more deeply with the work we do every day. Whether it’s fantasy, memoir, or contemporary fiction, our team loves diving into stories that remind us of resilience, hope, and new beginnings.
What’s on your nightstand this summer? Drop your favorites below—we’d love to add them to our list!