Summer is on the horizon and it's not too early to add to your poolside reading list. We've rounded up ten of the most popular releases from last month. Which will you check out first? 

Circe by Madeline Miller 

You might think you know the story of the Greek goddess, but you've never heard it told quite like this. Miller takes her readers on an epic adventure that explores Circe's character like never before. Follow the young goddess from her strange childhood to her banishment on a deserted island where she eventually meets the iconic hero, Odysseus. Lovers of Greek mythology will gobble this story right up. 

"The writing is lush and intimate, once again inviting the reader into a magic different, yet just as special, as Circe's: a magic that is unleashed whenever Miller picks up a pen." - Book People's Blog

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young 

What part of this Wonder Woman/Vikings mashup doesn't sound amazing? Young tells the story of a seventeen-year-old girl who spends her life fighting and surviving in a world filled with betrayal. Pick it up for a hefty dose of warriors, battle scenes, and family loyalty. This piece of historical fantasy doesn't disappoint, no matter how old you are. 

"A refreshing tale where life is tested and people have to overcome their differences to fight a bigger foe to survive. A fast-paced, action-filled fantasy for all YA collections." - School Library Journal

Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer

In Rimmer's compassionate novel, Lexie Vidler is forced into a complicated situation when her drug-addicted sister gives birth to a premature baby. She finds herself caring for the fragile newborn, but her sister's drama is wreaking havoc on her life. Eventually, Lexie is forced to ask herself where she draws the line and how much of their complicated past she can handle. 

"Kelly Rimmer's shimmering and poignant new novel, Before I Let You Go broadens our current national conversation about seeking to combat the deadly yet curable disease of addiction while being ultimately a story of relationships." - Library Journal, Editor's Pick

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland 

This YA bestseller is making waves with its provocative premise and unique portrayal of America. Ireland's protagonist, Jane McKeene, was born in a time rife with war. America stood on the brink of freedom, but with social change came racial injustice. As an African American, Jane must work to survive in this newborn country while protecting herself and dealing with the death reaped by the battlefields of Gettysburg. 

"This highly anticipated release is getting lauded as equal parts exciting, terrifying, and oh-so-relevant. Crackles on every page." - Brightly.com 

Trespassing by Brandi Reeds 

In the mood for some psychological suspense? Pick up this story about a young mother who must embark on a dangerous journey to locate her missing husband. Veronica's history of mental illness adds an element of unease to the entire story, and at some point, you'll start to wonder where the truth really lies. 

“Trespassing combines the creeping dread of a gothic novel with the page-turning suspense of a contemporary grip-lit thriller. A drip-feed of revelations forces the reader to question their theories in time with the narrator, as she is tipped over the edge of sanity by the eerie predictions of her daughter’s imaginary friend. This sinister atmosphere makes for a sleep-stealing novel; it is hard to put down and even harder to put out the light.” - Jo Furniss, bestselling author of All the Little Children

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell 

Fans of The Lovely Bones will immediately become addicted to Jewell's thrilling novel. Ellie Mack was a great daughter, and when she went missing, her mother struggled to piece together the broken puzzle pieces of her life. Ten years later, Ellie's mom meets a man whose daughter bears a striking resemblance to her daughter. Where did Ellie really go? And why does this man's daughter viscerally remind her of the missing girl? 

"Jewell expertly builds suspense by piling up domestic misunderstandings and more plot twists than an SVU episode. It’s a page-turner for readers who like beach reads on the dark side." - People 

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See 

Prepared to have your heart touched by this story of mothers and daughters. Li-yan lives in a remote mountain village, and when a Jeep shows up at the gate, everyone is startled. The stranger marks the introduction of the village into the modern world, and as Li-yan leaves the only life she's ever known and gives her daughter a new life of opportunity in America, they both wonder what has been lost. 

"With vivid and precise details about tea and life in rural China, Li-Yan’s gripping journey to find her daughter comes alive." - Publishers Weekly 

The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie 

When a terrible explosion takes place in Chicago, three women must work to hide the dangerous secrets that could unravel their lives. Time passes and their lies seem to go undetected, but how far will these ladies go to ensure that no one ever unearths their carefully hidden truths? 

“Give this to fans of seemingly benign characters with dark inner lives like those in Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies.” - Booklist

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren 

This is a book about second chances and becoming the person you were meant to be. Lauren flip-flops her storytelling between the Then and the Now, following Macy and Elliot as they grow from friends to something much more. They share memories of both agony and joy, and the two will have to learn to cope with the past in order to move on to a future full of love. 

"Lauren writes of the bittersweet pangs of love and loss with piercing clarity, and delivers a resoundingly life-affirming tale of what it takes to claw one’s way to necessary healing, both romantically and personally." - Entertainment Weekly 

You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Sittenfeld's short story collection reveals just how easy it is to form an opinion based on what people say and how they behave. Women who are eager to reflect on their college years and how they've grown will devour these ironic, original stories full of nostalgia. Follow an upper-middle-class woman, a college student, a young intern, and a suburban mother of two as they all re-evaluate the assumptions they've made. 

“Novelists get called master storytellers all the time, but Sittenfeld really is one.” - The Washington Post

Easter Sunday is just around the corner, so it's time to plan your desserts for the special day. Here are a handful of recipes that are family-friendly and downright scrumptious. Which ones will you try making this weekend? 

Spring Flower Pretzel Bites 

If you're really looking for an easy dessert to bake with young children, these pretzel bites are the best. All you need to do is melt some candy on top of pretzels, then serve them on a cute tray. It's quick, simple, and delicious. Get the recipe at Princess Pinky Girl. 

Easter Sugar Cookie Cake

Picture sugar cookies, but in cake form. Crazy for Crust has published a recipe for a holiday cake that's filled with M&Ms, vanilla flavor, and just a little bit of frosting. Forget buying a cookie cake from the store; this sweet treat is all you need. 

Bunny Chow 

Whether you're a tiny toddler or a full-grown adult, you'll quickly become addicted to this Chex Mix creation. Similar to Puppy Chow, the recipe calls for white chocolate instead of milk and plenty of seasonal candy. Check out the recipe here. 

Easter Oreo Pops 

The creator of It's Always Autumn created the easiest, most adorable Easter treats. All you'll need are Oreos, sucker stickers, yellow candy melts, Orange Airheads, and candy eyes. Your kids will get such a kick out of the cute faces on the treats.

White Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes 

After watching the how-to video over on Garnish and Glaze, you'll certainly want to whip up a batch of these sweet treats. The Cadbury Mini Eggs add the perfect spring touch to cupcakes that are already sugary and addictive. Be sure to snap some photos of your final product. 

Carrot Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting 

What dessert fits this bunny-filled holiday more than carrot cupcakes? They're light, moist, and perfectly tangy. Kelly from Just a Taste concocted a recipe that's easy to follow and created with real carrots. Don't forget to add the cute candy carrots on top! 

Tired of letting your little ones watch whatever comes on Disney Channel or Cartoon Network? Here are some new shows streaming on Netflix that are fun and well-made, so you can feel good about letting them veg out in front of the TV for a little while. 

Trolls: The Beat Goes On 

DreamWorks Animation is back with more music, romance, and comedy in this latest installment of the Trolls story. Poppy, Branch, and the other residents of Troll Village are embarking on a whole bunch of new adventures in this recently-released series. Recommended for viewers ages four to seven. 

Power Rangers Ninja Steel 

You might have seen the Power Rangers before, but you (and your kids) have never seen them like this. Watch a new generation battle evil forces with their superhuman powers and brightly-colored suits. Recommended for kids between the ages of five and ten. 

Llama Llama 

You've read the adorable books with your children. Now, watch the brand new animated series on your favorite streaming service. Llama Llama is learning about friendship, family, and new experiences in this heartwarming show. It's perfect for your little learners under the age of five. 

Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout 

Based on the toy superheroes, the Flex Fighters are determined to battle the rising crime in Charter City. Join Jake, Ricardo, and Nathan as they combat chaos and use their awesome powers for good. Kids ages five to ten will probably get a kick out of this series. 

Spirit Riding Free 

If your children loved Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002), then they'll likely enjoy this new adaptation of the horse's story. Follow a young girl who forms a tight bond with Spirit and has plenty of Western adventures with her best friends. Created for children ages three to ten, this spunky series is a real crowd pleaser.  

The Long, Long Holiday 

This cute animated series tells the story of three young siblings who are forced to learn about country life during the Nazi occupation of their home. Although the show takes place during World War II, it's still very kid-friendly and great for viewers ages eight to twelve. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events 

Lemony Snicket's novels enraptured a generation of young readers. This year, you can watch books one through nine be brought to life via Netflix's popular adaptation of the series. The show is just morbid enough to appeal to adults and kids alike, but still funny and lighthearted at times. Recommended for viewers ages eight and up.  

Dinotrux Supercharged 

If you have a little boy between the ages of three and seven, chances are, the words "dinosaur" and "truck" are two of his favorites. Put on an episode of Dinotrux Supercharged, which is even more impressive than the original Dinotrux since the characters have new powers, challenges, and friends. 

The Magic School Bus Rides Again 

So many of us grew up with Ms. Frizzle and her crazy antics. Now, children can take a spin with the famous teacher's little sister, Fiona. Join her class for plenty of educational fun and wild adventures. It's a great choice for children between the ages of three and seven. 

Spy Kids: Mission Critical 

The Spy Kids are back, but this time, they're animated. Watch as junior spies Juni and Carmen Cortez defeat evil villains and learn to do what grown-ups can't. If you loved the original Spy Kids movies, then you'll definitely enjoy watching this adaptation with your children between the ages of five and ten. 


What shows do your children love to watch on Netflix? Leave recommendations in the comments! 

Unless you deep-clean your house on a frequent basis, your home could probably use a little TLC this spring. It's time to break out the cleaning gloves and supplies so you can give it a thorough scrub from top to bottom. Not only will a spring cleaning give your home a fresh feel, but it will also help clear out allergens and other contaminants as warmer weather rolls in. 

When you begin your home cleaning, don't forget to address these problem spots that often go unnoticed for the majority of the year. You'll thank yourself later when every inch of your house is sparkling and sanitary. 

Your Fridge Shelves 

Even if the inside of your fridge seems pretty clean and orderly, it might not be. Double-check the expiration dates on everything and toss all of the old food. Then, use cool water and baking soda to thoroughly scrub the surface of the shelves and drawers. Also, remember to sanitize the door handle of the fridge. After all, germy hands touch it multiple times each day, so it's probably in need of a good spritz. 

The Dishwasher 

Although most experts say that you should clean appliances like your dishwasher at least once a month, most of us don't do that. Use your spring cleaning as an opportunity to give your dishwasher a fresh start by making a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, then flushing it through the machine during a hot water cycle. This will prevent gunk and bacteria from building up inside the moist appliance. 

All Bedding 

Changing your sheets at least once a week is a commonly-known must, but how often do you sanitize the rest of your bedding? Toss your blankets, comforters, mattress cover, and quilts into the washing machine for once. You may also want to vacuum your mattress surface and throw pillows to remove any lingering dust mites or allergens. 

Your Hard-to-Reach Windows 

Sure, you spray a little Windex on the windows you usually look out of, but what about the high-up glass surfaces you ignore? Those are probably covered in a layer of thick dust. Take some window cleaner and a paper towel to the area, and use a ladder (or tall friend) if you have to. 

Your Washing Machine

Washing machines can be a nasty environment for thriving mold and mildew, as well as dirt, minerals, and other materials. Do an online search to see what kind of cleaner works best with your particular washer, then use a cloth to scrub the inside of the machine, as well as the door. This will help your clothes smell clean after washing them and decrease the risk of foul odors in your laundry room. 

The Inside of the Oven 

Let's be honest: every now and then, something drips onto the floor of your oven, and you typically ignore it as it slowly burns away. Sometimes this is fine, but as debris builds up, your oven will become dirtier and dirtier. Take this spring cleaning opportunity to put a little elbow grease into removing the grime that has accumulated inside. 

The Entire Shower 

There are so many parts of your shower that could use a good scrub: the floor, the glass, the drain, the showerhead, the walls. Chances are, you don't scrub entirety of your shower on a regular basis, but this is a great time to clean it extensively. Wrap the showerhead in a secure bag full of vinegar for a deep clean. If you have a shower curtain, sanitize it with salt water so mildew doesn't accumulate. If you have a glass door, use window cleaner to wipe away water stains. By the time you finish with your big clean, you'll feel like you have a new shower. 

Dusty Bookshelves 

Your knickknacks and novels might look orderly on your shelves, but they're probably covered in a thin layer of dirt and human skin cells. Yuck. Take a rag to all of the items and wipe down the surfaces of the structure to remove the lingering dust. 

This weekend, the Office of Women's Health of the Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring an event to raise awareness for the need for all women, especially pregnant women, to be tested for and treated for HIV. The organization hopes to promote better choices when it comes to women protecting their own health, as well as that of their children. 

Although it seems as though there is little the average woman can do to prevent the spread of HIV, according to experts, everyone can do their part to prevent the spread of the disease by shielding themselves, spreading awareness, and opening discussions about the dangers of HIV infection. In fact, the event's theme this year is "HIV Prevention Starts With Me." 

For the thirteen time, the month of March will host the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Local, state, federal, and national organizations are all coming together to shed light on one of the big problems in American: HIV and AIDS. Currently, more than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and roughly 23 percent of them are women. 

What You Can Do to Support This Event 

• Talk about HIV and AIDS with others. Connect your community members with the resources they need to learn about the disease, how to prevent it, and more. 
  
  
• Take to social media to open discussions. The event organizers encourage people to use the #NWGHAAD and #ICanStopHIV to spread awareness about March 10. 
  
  
• Get tested if you might need to. This website can help you find the nearest HIV testing locations so that you can start protecting yourself and others if necessary. Unfortunately, many people live with HIV for years without knowing they have it, which means they cannot benefit from early treatment and prevent transmission effectively. 
  
  
• Combat the stigma around HIV. Talking about the disease, encouraging treatment, and implementing preventative methods are all great things, so don't let anyone talk badly about them. 

Although the overall number of HIV diagnoses has been falling in recent years, diagnoses among women remain stable. This indicates that we must continue educating the public about HIV and AIDs, as well as prevention methods. 

To learn more about National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day or the disease itself, click here.