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SIMPLY MARISA
Lifestyle Made Simple
Welcome to the blog! Here you’ll find book recs, beauty favorites, simple style inspiration, and everyday moments that make life a little more special.
Grab a coffee, stay awhile, and explore the latest posts.


The Magic of “I Saw This and Thought of You”
A little porch fairy showed up the other day with the cutest surprise. One of my sweet friends had spotted this darling little mug while she was out and about and immediately thought of me. She grabbed it and dropped it by just because ~ no occasion, no reason other than the simple thought of it. And honestly… that kind of thoughtfulness means more than I know how to put into words. There’s something really special about being truly seen. When someone knows you well enough to

Marisa
2 days ago2 min read


The Principal Problem by Sienna Mills ~ Book Review
If a book keeps you up until 3am and then has you happily finishing it the next night when your dog wakes up… it’s a five-star read. And while I don’t typically give star ratings (because as a mood reader, it truly depends on my headspace), if I was going to rate this one? It would be five bright, shiny stars. ✨ The Principal Problem by Sienna Mills is officially my favorite read of the year so far. What It’s About This is a small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance with a mess

Marisa
Feb 272 min read


📖 Book Review: The Beat of Barcelona by Joan Silverhill
Joan Silverhill’s debut novel, The Beat of Barcelona , is an emotionally layered, character-driven story that leans into complicated love, blurred lines, and the lingering impact of childhood wounds. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own. From the beginning, it’s clear that this story centers on emotional realism. The FMC’s anxiety, internal struggles, and complicated family dynamics are written with care. The feelin

Marisa
Feb 232 min read


📖 Book Review: Replay by L.A. Shaw
Replay was my first read by L.A. Shaw , and I really enjoyed the writing style. This was one of those books that pulls you in quickly and keeps you invested, both emotionally and story-wise. I especially appreciated the dual POV, which added depth to the story and made it easier to connect with both main characters. From the start, I found myself wanting to know what would happen next ~ always a good sign. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest rev

Marisa
Feb 102 min read


Book Review: Fake It Till Christmas
I started Fake It Till Christmas during a heavy January slump and carried my Kindle around for weeks, hoping I’d feel ready to read again. When I finally opened it, I finished it in one sitting. With top-tier banter, a perfectly grumpy MMC, and a slow burn that skipped unnecessary miscommunication, this cozy holiday romance ended up being exactly the comfort read I didn’t know I needed.

Marisa
Feb 62 min read


📖 Astor Hill by Sydney Madison
Astor Hill was a quick, addictive read that I flew through in just two days. While it wasn’t without its frustrating moments for me, it was also a story that kept pulling me forward and that balance made it an interesting and memorable read. This book leans heavily into emotional tension, complicated relationships, and the kind of messy choices that feel very real in a college setting. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are

Marisa
Jan 152 min read


📖 Book Review: Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden
Romcom vibes done right
This book absolutely delivered on the romcom feels ~ playful banter, swoony moments, and that lighthearted tone that keeps you turning pages with a smile on your face. It was fun without being fluffy, heartfelt without being heavy.

Marisa
Dec 26, 20252 min read


✨ Book Review: The Elusive Billionaire by Avery Maxwell
Some books pull you in so completely that you forget you’re reading the second book in a series ~ and The Elusive Billionaire did exactly that. From the tension to the banter to the emotional pull between the characters, I genuinely could not stop turning the pages. This is book two in the series , and I enjoyed it so much that I went and ordered book one before I even finished this one ~ which honestly says everything you need to know. 💭 The Story Savvy Monroe and Greyson

Marisa
Dec 26, 20252 min read


📚 What I Read in a Week With a 9 to 5
Between work, family, content creation, and trying to remember to drink water ~ reading sometimes feels like the first thing to go. But this particular week, I decided to track how much I actually did read… even with a full schedule. Spoiler alert? It all adds up.

Marisa
Dec 14, 20252 min read


Book Review: Kindling by Bonnie Woods
Kindling by Bonnie Woods was that exact kind of surprise ~ heartfelt, charming, a little spicy, and so deeply relatable in the best ways.

Marisa
Nov 14, 20252 min read


💜 Book Review: If You Claim Me by Helena Hunting
Every once in a while you pick up a book expecting a fun romcom… and suddenly you’re 10 chapters in, fully invested, and wondering how you’ve gone this long without reading this author. That was me with If You Claim Me. This was my very first Helena Hunting book , and I truly didn’t realize it was book 5 in a series until I was already halfway through (lol). But honestly? It holds up beautifully as a standalone ~ and now I’m excited to go back and read the first four because

Marisa
Nov 14, 20252 min read


🎄 Book Review: Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms by Claire Kingsley
Bundle up and get cozy 🎄✨ Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms by Claire Kingsley is a festive, feel-good romance full of heart, humor, and a touch of mystery. Perfect for your holiday TBR 💛

Marisa
Nov 9, 20252 min read


✨ Book Review: The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders
A cozy, slow-burn travel romcom review of The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders ~ featuring a grumpy heroine, patient hero, and all the feel-good vibes.

Marisa
Nov 9, 20252 min read


✨ Falling for Sweet River ~ A Small Town Romance Series Worth the Binge
Jackson writes her heroines with depth ~ flawed but relatable women who protect their hearts fiercely. Her heroes are patient, steady, and exactly the kind of book boyfriends you want to swoon over. And together, these stories create a comforting reminder: love is worth the wait.

Marisa
Sep 4, 20253 min read


Prime Day Deals ~ Part 3
Prime Day Part 3!! Last-minute faves you might still be able to grab 👀✨

Marisa
Jul 11, 20252 min read


Prime Day Deals - Part 2
We’re back with more Prime Day deals! No fluff, no fuss ~ just more easy-to-skim finds.

Marisa
Jul 11, 20253 min read


Prime Day Deals - Part 1
Not on socials or don't want to dig through all the social media posts for deals?! I got you!

Marisa
Jul 11, 20253 min read


Why Removing Eye Makeup Before Bed is Non-Negotiable
Removing eye makeup isn’t just about keeping your pillowcase clean – Here’s why this simple habit is so important and the benefits it offers

Marisa
Jan 9, 20252 min read


Sunscreen & SPF: What's the Difference & Why Does it Matter?
Sun protection is key so it's best to understand what you have and how to use it!

Marisa
Jul 13, 20244 min read


5 Tips to Prevent a Summer Makeup Meltdown
Summer is here, and we all know what that means—time for fun in the sun! But there’s one little problem we’ve all faced: the dreaded...

Marisa
Jul 8, 20242 min read
Let’s Be Friends
If you love cozy moments, good books, and celebrating the little things that make everyday life special, you’ll fit right in around here.
Come hang out with me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/simplymarisa.xo
And if you’re looking for book recs, favorite finds, and easy access to everything I share, you can find it all here:
https://linktr.ee/simplyreading
Thanks for being here 🤍
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