The 3 Hot Debuts Authors You *Need* to Read RN

Ilana Lucas
Oct 30, 2016

If you’ve heard the phrase “beginner’s luck” before, you know it’s not just for poker; there’s something to be said for maturity, but sometimes an artist’s first work is a wonder to behold. After all, they’ve spent their whole lives until publishing preparing for it. That being said, none of the debut authors in this week’s book club are complete neophytes: one has a long list of renowned short fiction, one’s a richly awarded journalist and one’s a historian helping us discover buried literary treasure. So read on for a collection of stories, a compelling coming-of-age tale and an argument for casting the spotlight on some nearly forgotten women. You’ll have some beginner’s luck yourself if you pick up one of these three new books.

1. We Show What We Have Learned and Other Stories by Clare Beams ($12): Columbia MFA grad Beams has published her short stories in many places, such as Willow Springs, Best American Nonrequired Reading and One Story; a finalist for Best American Short Stories and The Pushcart Prize, she’s just published her first complete collection of stories, and what a powerhouse it is. Beams’ stories promise to deal with the extraordinary and transformative, at once whimsical and human. Detailed, inventive and emotionally rich, the stories find the strange in the ordinary (and vice versa) and range from the historical to the modern.

In her varied tales, a young woman in London becomes fascinated with her sister’s husband during the Great Plague; an elementary school teacher comes apart at the seams before her terrified class: “We would wonder, ever after, what caused it: the force of the bottled-up, forbidden words we were calling forth or the hammering blows of the humiliation we were delivering.“ Another woman returns to the family vacation spot with her grandmother to prove her worth after a breakup and finds her irrevocably changed by the experience. An architect is altered by an all-encompassing, difficult project; a class of women is altered by their boarding school’s standards of beauty.

Beams has been lauded by authors such as Chang-Rae Lee and Joyce Carol Oates, who likens her style to a wickedly feminist collaboration between Alice Munro and Shirley Jackson. Other hallowed names invoked include Margaret Atwood and Stephen King, but Beams is no copycat; with this debut collection, she proves she has a style all her own.

2. Teethmarks on My Tongue by Eileen Battersby ($13): Eileen Battersby, the literary correspondent for the Irish Times, was Ireland’s National Critic of the Year in 2012, and has been National Arts Journalist of the Year an impressive four times. She’s released two books of criticism and non-fiction, and now her debut novel is poised to take on the world. Other critics are particularly impressed with her singular narrator, Helen Stockton Defoe, who comes of age with deadpan perception and a darkly comic viewpoint.

In Teethmarks on My Tongue, Helen feels separated from most of life’s connections; her mother is brutally, shockingly murdered on the street by a gunman, and her father distances himself; she sports a distinctive physical feature that emphasizes her internal differences. Helen exploits her otherwise privileged world and lives a rich interior life, studying arts and sciences and observing the people around her. She hopes to connect with her father, but when he rejects everything she stands for, she rejects his world, in turn, escaping to Europe, where the potential dangers she encounters are ameliorated by a renewed ability to feel.

Now Battersby finds herself in the critical spotlight, and it seems the critic has finely honed her own writing abilities. Kirkus calls Teethmarks, “A perceptive, keenly intelligent bildungsroman, well marbled with dark humor, about inhabiting one’s own life, body, and emotions despite upbringing and uncertainty.” As her character comes of age, Battersby comes into her own.

3. Not Just Jane: Rediscovering Seven Amazing Women Writers Who Transformed British Literature by Shelley DeWees ($16): “Wild and extraordinary stories often have completely ordinary beginnings, and this one, the story of how I became obsessed with seven British women, is no different.” In historian DeWees’ debut book, she takes us beyond everyone’s favorite 18th-century female British novelist, Jane Austen, to show us how a group of her contemporaries is equally sharp, witty and worthy of our attention. They may not have dozens of movie adaptations, DeWees argues, but it might make sense (and sensibility) if they did. Pulling together historical, biographical and literary information, she expands the encyclopedia of subversive female writers of the era much farther than A to B (Austen to Brontë).

Britain’s changing landscape in the Victorian era included the burgeoning publishing industry, which encouraged many women to try their luck at writing. The writers DeWees profiles were not just debut novelists, they began entire fields of literature; among them were the progenitors of modern fantasy and detective novels, and all were successful in their own time. However, like many women’s achievements, most of them have been overlooked in modern society. DeWees’ portrayal of Charlotte Turner Smith, Helen Maria Williams, Mary Robinson, Catherine Crowe, Sara Coleridge, Dinah Mulock Craik and Mary Elizabeth Braddon is unsparing and unsentimental, but seeks to be as entertaining as the novels it describes.

Laurel Anne Nattress, the editor of Jane Austen Made Me Do It, calls DeWees “the Indiana Jones of literary archeology,” and Lyndsey Faye, (author of another book club selection, Jane Steele), says “It’s a moving and heartfelt tribute to seven forgotten literary foremothers whose works were widely admired and just as widely consigned to moldering oblivion.” You might want to make room on your bookshelf for the works of these seven trailblazers after you’re done reading this hot debut, which questions and expands the notion of canon and memory, reducing the old assumptions to just a lot of pride and prejudice.

What first books are your favorites? Tag us in your next fresh read @BritandCo.

(Featured photo via Getty)

21 Most-Anticipated Summer Books We Can't Wait To Read In 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and that means laying by the beach or the pool and getting lost in a good book. To kick off beach read season, we’ve rounded up some of the most-anticipated books coming to shelves this summer. From enchanted star-crossed lovers, romantic summer flings, and thrilling forbidden loves, these books should definitely be packed in your suitcase for any and all of your summer vacation plans!

Here are all the new books we can't wait to read this summer!

Amazon

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria (May 27, 2025)

Ava Rodriguez is a divorced school teacher who meets the handsome Roman Vásquez, for a steamy one night stand – or at least what was intended to be a one night stand. But when Roman shows up as Ava’s cousin’s best man, things get complicated. Ava tries to hide her dirty little secret from her family, but Roman wants to be all-in. What started out as no strings attached has become much more complex.

Amazon

Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler (May 27, 2025)

Anna is beginning art school in New York and befriends Willow, a mysterious and moody art student who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Five years later, Anna’s former muse Willow has turned into a shell of herself. When Anna tries to intervene in Willow’s life by staging a planned mugging, Willow goes missing on September 11th. Did Anna go too far, or did Willow play into Anna’s game all along? This thriller challenges the morality of revealing the truth when it may be better left unsaid.

Amazon

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20, 2025)

Katie Vaughn’s career is sinking fast—so she takes a daring gig profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson. The problem? She can’t swim but pretends she can. Worse, Hutch is her coworker Cole’s estranged brother. In Key West, Katie gets caught in a whirlwind of secrets, swim lessons, and sizzling chemistry. With hurricanes, stolen kisses, and a chance to be truly brave, she must decide if facing her fears—including love—is worth the plunge.

Amazon

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Optimistic Alice Scott and Pulitzer-winning Hayden Anderson both land on Little Crescent Island to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives. When Margaret offers a one-month trial, Alice is determined to win. She’s great with people, eager to impress her family, and, strangely, rattling Hayden. But Margaret shares only fragments of her story, and an NDA keeps Alice and Hayden from comparing notes. As tension rises and sparks fly, their own story—like Margaret’s—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad, depending on who tells it.

Amazon

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams (May 6, 2025)

Audre, the junior class president and debate team captain, is spending the summer before her senior year writing her self help book, AKA her one-way ticket to Stanford. Bash, a mysterious new senior who everybody is crushing on, is spending his summer helping Audre complete her five wild dares to write about in her book. The scorching hot-summer leads to crazy chemistry the two friends can’t deny. Will Audre be able to maintain the friendship, or will she begin to fall for Bash?

Amazon

Love On Tour by Lee Adams (June 17, 2025)

Music executive Christine Matthews lives a quiet life until a broken heel sends her tumbling in front of country star Austin Garrett’s tour bus. When Austin realizes she pitched him his latest hit, he invites her to be his date at the CMT Awards, catapulting her into the spotlight. Suddenly, she’s facing cyberbullying, unwanted attention, and growing feelings for Austin’s tour manager, Matt. As past trauma resurfaces and threats turn dangerous, Christine must decide if chasing success and love is worth the risk—or if walking away is the only way to protect her heart.

Amazon

It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27, 2025)

Jane Jackson, a former child sitcom star, is determined to make it as a Hollywood executive. Her mantra: fake it till you make it. But when she takes it too far and claims she can get popstar Jack Quinlan—her first kiss—to write a song for her movie, she’s in trouble. Now, she must turn to her old crush and frustrating cinematographer Dan Finnegan for help. Can Jane juggle her past and career, or will her lie unravel? This novel is perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat with an enemies-to-lovers romcom.

Amazon

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3, 2025)

Joan Goodwin has been fascinated by space since childhood. When she gets the chance to join NASA’s first group of women scientists in the space shuttle program, she leaps at it. Training alongside a Top Gun pilot, a brilliant scientist, and a bold group of astronauts, Joan forms unexpected friendships and discovers a love she never imagined. As they prepare for their first mission, she begins to question her place in the universe—until one fateful moment changes everything.

Amazon

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (June 10, 2025)

Roman Carruthers returns home to find his father in a coma, his brother drowning in debt to criminals, and his sister struggling to hold their crematorium business together. When he tries to buy Dante’s way out, he learns the hard way that real gangsters don’t play fair. With no other options, Roman offers himself as collateral. As he’s pulled deeper into a dangerous game, Neveah searches for answers about their mother’s mysterious disappearance. But Roman isn’t as weak as they think—and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his family.

Amazon

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda (July 29, 2025)

Beckett Bowery thought she had her future planned out: stay in Wyatt Valley, Virginia and study at Wyatt College, the college her parents taught at. But when a tragedy leaves two men dead and her roommate goes on the run, she vows to stay as far away as possible from Wyatt Valley. Later when her daughter Delilah receives a full ride scholarship to Wyatt College, she is forced to confront her lingering fears and the fact that her past isn’t the only dangerous thing in Wyatt Valley.

Amazon

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett (May 6, 2025)

Thirty-seven years after the Republic fell, war rages between the five clans and the Kingsland. Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, saves lives—until she’s struck by a poisoned arrow from Kingsland assassin Tristan. Instead of letting her die, Tristan uses rare magic to save her, unknowingly binding them together. Their connection gives him access to her memories, the key to destroying her people. But Isadora can see into him too. To protect her clan, she must outmaneuver Tristan, and resist the dangerous pull between them, before he claims victory and her heart.

Amazon

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (June 17, 2025)

Joni Lark has a secret. She’s one of LA’s most coveted songwriters, but she can’t write anymore. Hoping to find inspiration, she returns home to Vienna Shores, North Carolina. But nothing is as she left it. Her best friend is distant, her mother’s memory is fading, and her family’s music venue is closing. Then Joni starts hearing a haunting melody and a stranger’s voice in her head. When the man behind the voice shows up in town, guarded and frustrating, they realize they must finish the song together or risk exposing their hearts and deepest secrets.

Amazon

No Man’s Ghost by Jason Powell (May 6, 2025)

Charles Davids is a rookie firefighter starting his first week with the FDNY, struggling to prove himself to his new team. The job is grueling, the training intense, and the pranks relentless—but the dangers are real. Across town, Alan Johnson, bitter and unhinged after being kicked out by his wife, begins reporting fake fires at her apartment every night. At first, it’s just a cruel joke. But soon, Alan wants more than revenge. As the calls escalate, Charles faces a trial by fire that could make or break him—and put lives on the line.

Amazon

Ride with Me by Simone Soltani (May 20, 2025)

After being left at the altar, Stella Baldwin dreads attending her cousin’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Formula 1 driver Thomas Maxwell-Brown is desperate for a break from his crumbling career and bad press. When a wild night ends with a ring on Stella’s finger and Thomas as her husband, they realize staying married might actually benefit them both. It’s impulsive, reckless, and maybe exactly what they need. Because sometimes, what happens in Vegas doesn’t need to stay there.

Amazon

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld (July 8, 2025)

During her freshman year of college, April’s life changed overnight. After meeting up with her friend Rudy one evening, he was arrested, she was expelled, and her future fell apart. Months later, she met Peter, a young attorney who helped her rebuild everything. Fifteen years later, April has a happy life, three kids, and Peter is running for local office. But when Rudy is up for parole and April’s past makes headlines, it threatens everything she’s built. Now, she must decide whether to protect her family—or the man who once saved her.

Amazon

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6, 2025)

Alice never expected to see Charlie Florek again. Years ago, she spent a magical summer at her grandmother Nan’s lake cottage, capturing a photo of three teens in a yellow boat that changed her life. Now a photographer who prefers life behind the lens, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay to care for Nan and find something she’s been missing. But when Charlie, now a charming and grown-up flirt, reappears, old feelings resurface. Long days on the water and stolen glances make Alice wonder if she’s finally ready to step into the frame or risk her heart again.

Amazon

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray (June 3, 2025)

Blaze’s birth unleashed a deadly storm that killed thousands, branding her an outcast and stealing her magic. Hidden ever since, she’s shocked when she and her twin brother are invited to compete for the empire’s throne. Suddenly thrust into the Golden Palace’s dangerous court, Blaze faces deadly rivals, forbidden love, and the possibility of reclaiming her lost power. Torn between a captivating Crown Prince and a darkly alluring stranger, Blaze must decide if she’s ready to step out of the shadows and claim a destiny no one ever believed she could have.

Amazon

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (July 15, 2025)

Sera Swan lost her magic, her status, and her place in the magical Guild after a spell gone wrong. Now she runs an enchanted inn with her resurrected great-aunt, a mischievous talking fox, and a houseful of quirky guests. When she discovers a spell that could restore her powers, she enlists the help of Luke Larsen, a reserved magical historian with no interest in her chaos—or her charm. But as they work together, unexpected sparks fly. Sera soon realizes that the magic she craves may not be as powerful as the family she’s built.

Amazon

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer (June 10, 2025)

Charity Trickett arrives in Hollywood in 1997 determined to break into the movie industry. As an assistant to a blockbuster film director, she expects glitz and glamour but instead faces cutthroat coworkers, a failing love life, and a mistake that could cost the studio millions. Her bank account is running dry, and an FBI investigation threatens to derail her future entirely. With grit and heart, Charity must fight to keep her dream alive and avoid losing everything. Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary will love this witty, behind-the-scenes Hollywood adventure.

Amazon

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (May 13, 2025)

Hendrix Barry has built a life most people dream of. With a successful business, amazing friends, and a loving family, she has everything except time for love. Caring for an aging parent and staying focused on her goals leave little room for romance, and she’s never met a man who could keep up. Until Maverick Bell. The charming tech mogul sees her in a way no one has before, but he’s off-limits if she plans to stay on course. When Maverick refuses to walk away, Hendrix must decide if love is worth changing her plans.

Amazon

What’s Yours is Mine by Jennifer Jabaley (August 5, 2025)

Valerie Yarnell is a devoted single mother who has always supported her daughter Kate’s dream of dancing. But it stings when Kate idolizes her best friend Colette’s mother, Elise, a former prima ballerina married to the man Valerie secretly loves. When Kate outshines Colette at a major competition, tensions soar. Elise’s pressure on Colette intensifies, and the rivalry between mothers and daughters reaches a breaking point. Then a shocking attack shatters everything, exposing dark ambitions and unraveling secrets. Soon, both families will learn just how fierce and dangerous competition can be.

Looking for more book recs? Sign up for our newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations

readingreading listbook recommendationsentertainmentbooks

47 Quick, Easy Dinner Ideas Literally Anyone Can Make

Even the best easy dinner recipes like mac and cheese and *all* the healthy slow cooker concoctions can get boring when you cook them night after night. That's why we suggest you spice things up with these easy dinner recipes that totally satisfy! These quick and easy dinner ideas will give you major inspiration for those nights when you're drawing a blank on what to make and need a quick weeknight dinneron the table, stat.

Scroll on for 47 quick and easy dinner recipes that make mealtime a breeze!

What's the easiest thing to cook for dinner?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

In our experience, meals that feature a bunch of different ingredients thrown together (think poke bowls, burrito bowls, stews, and salads) end up being the easiest options to cook for dinner. Plus, they're a great way to clear out any leftovers you may have from the fridge!

What can I cook in 10 minutes?

Cats Coming / PEXELS

Easy meals like air fryer salmon, scrambled eggs and toast, and our risotto cupscan be made in 10 minutes or less. You probably won't be able to make something like a chicken breast or casserole in 10 minutes, but that doesn't mean your dinner still can't be delicious!

What can I cook in 30 minutes?

Engin Akyurt / PEXELS

In addition to the 10-minute meals mentioned above, there are plenty of recipes you can make in 30 minutes (some of them are right on this list!). You can also check out our Instant Pot Recipes and Air Fryer Recipes for some more quick and delicious meals.

What meals can I make for $5?

C1 Superstar / PEXELS

Meals like canned soup, frozen veggies, bagged salads, and other single-serve, pre-assembled meals usually fall under $5. Frozen pizza and spaghetti with marinara sauce are some other great hearty options!

Easy Dinner Recipes To Make Tonight

Brittany Griffin

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

We love a good Instant Pot meal, and this creamy and delicious pasta dish does not disappoint. It's great for any day of the week, and the leftovers save really well to last you all week! (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Heart-Shaped Pizza

The only thing we can think of that could make pizza better is making heart-shaped pizza. It's the perfect way to show just how much we love this tasty meal. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

20-Minute Vegan Nachos

Nachos that have no animal byproducts and only take 20 minutes? BRB — we're adding this to our easy dinner recipes lineup for the week. (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Instant Pot Steamed Cod With Ginger Scallion Sauce

This easy Instant Pot-made dish can be on your table in roughly 30 minutes. From a frozen state, the fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook! (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Pressure Cooker Vegan Chili

Easy dinner recipes are supposed to be simple. Just dump the ingredients for this pick into your pressure cooker, and you'll have enough food to feed a family, all in less than 30 minutes. (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry

Keep a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand, and you have the base of a healthy, fast meal you can enjoy for dinner and beyond. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mango Shrimp Curry

A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this flavorful shrimp stir-fry. Talk about summery goodness! (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Pancetta Pasta

This hearty, saucy, and salty pasta inspired by none other than Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis is the perfect easy dinner idea to whip up on chilly nights. You can make some easy swaps if you don't have pancetta or Pecorino on-hand, using bacon and Parmesan instead. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Dinner Recipes To Try This Week

Justina Huddleston

Vegan Veggie Sausage Foil Packs

Whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven, these foil packets require no cleanup. That's why they're one of the best easy dinner recipes to keep in your back pocket! (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Ashley Bare

Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice, so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Ashley Bare for Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti

Bake your pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save with this easy dinner idea. (via Brit + Co)

Meredith Holser

20-Minute Pizza

Trader Joe's ready-made pizza dough saves the day for this easily customizable pizza idea. (via Meredith Holser forBrit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

A rotisserie chicken cuts a lot of the labor involved in assembling these lettuce wraps. You can even use canned chicken if a rotisserie is out of reach. Add blue cheese crumbles and walnuts for a meal that's a little more elegant than your usual chicken salad. (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Audrey Bruno

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Get the classic flavor of cacio e pepe in even less time than usual. Skip waiting for a pot of pasta water to boil, and swap your noodles for chickpeas instead. They have more protein, too! (via Audrey Bruno for Brit + Co)

Jessi Devenyns

Foil Pack Chicken & Broccoli

Seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade, these flexible chicken and broccoli packets can be changed up every time you make them for dinner. (via Jessi Devenyns for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup

We love easy dinner recipes that are hearty and perfect for winter! Start with this veggie-loaded soup, then add sausage, bacon, and Parmesan. (via Brit + Co)

Easy + Quick Dinner Ideas

Melanie Burke

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket

Three ingredients, 12 minutes, and vegetarian to boot — could it get any easier?! (via Melanie Burke for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans

We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. Swap out the veg depending on what you've got in the fridge for an easy dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this medley of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Make These Fast Dinner Ideas Tonight!

Patricia Conte

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps

A jumble of veggies and black beans put a much fresher spin on traditional hot dogs. (via Patricia Conte for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad

The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salmon salad into an scrumptious easy dinner recipe you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)

Gentl and Hyers

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio With All-O the Parsley

You will always have something to eat when you bust out this recipe, which calls for all pantry staples: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, anchovy, red pepper, and whatever herbs you have. (via Where Cooking Begins)

Munchkin Time

Easy Chicken Piccata

Whip up your this easy dinner recipe in just over a half hour with a cast iron pan! A side of pasta or mashed potatoes completes the meal perfectly. (via Munchkin Time)

Primavera Kitchen

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Sneak in some veggies by sandwiching them in between slices of cheese and chicken. (via Primavera Kitchen)

My Modern Cookery

Baked Greek Chicken Wings With Tzatziki

Chicken wings don't have to be a labor of love — this recipe bakes them on a sheet tray for easy clean-up. Tangy tzatziki dip on the side is a fresh alternative to ranch dressing! (via My Modern Cookery)

Tasty Easy Dinner Ideas

Crazy for Crust

Bean Stuff Casserole

Cheesy bean casserole will please the whole fam any night of the week. (via Crazy for Crust)

Takes Two Eggs

15-Minute Spam Fried Rice

This quick fried rice dish is savory, salty, and protein-filled, thanks to the addition of Spam. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Bowl of Delicious

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza

You won't think twice about adding more Brussels sprouts to your meals after you taste them in this smoky, cheesy pizza. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Wholesome Yum

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This stir-fry will please those on paleo, low-carb, or gluten-fee diets. Plus, it's thrifty in time and cost of ingredients. (via Wholesome Yum)

The Cozy Cook

Chicken Scallopini

This classic pasta dish stars a few secret convenient ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. (via The Cozy Cook)

Neil's Healthy Meals

Chorizo Scallop and Kale Stir Fry

Spicy chorizo and sweet scallops cook up quickly in this kale-flecked stir-fry. (via Neil's Healthy Meals)

Primavera Kitchen

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil

Cooking this buttery salmon in foil means you've got an easy dinner recipe that has a very seamless cleanup. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Laughing Spatula

Greek Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner

Sheet-pan chicken gets a big boost of flavor with lemon, feta, olives, and roasted veggies. (via Laughing Spatula)

Hearty Easy Dinner Ideas For You!

The Life Jolie

Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops

Using the grill for these pork chops adds another nice layer of unexpected flavor. (via The Life Jolie)

Easy Dinner Recipes For Every Season

Simple Seasonal

Honey Ham, Gouda, and Apple Quesadillas

This unique spin on the quesadilla is the tastiest answer for nights when you can't bear the thought of eating yet another grilled cheese. (via Simple Seasonal)

Goodie Godmother

Kale and Shrimp Tortellini

Keep frozen tortellini on-hand for when you need to whip up some filling dinners in a flash. (via Goodie Godmother)

Foodal

Lemon Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Loaded with veggies, these protein-packed lemon chicken quinoa bowls fill you up while fueling your body with good stuff. (via Foodal)

Life as a Strawberry

Margarita Chicken Quesadillas

Make your quesadillas into a more substantial meal by filling them with tequila-lime chicken. A dollop of sour cream on top, and dinner is served. (via Life as a Strawberry)

Family Food on the Table

Mexican Shrimp Skillet

This savory Mexican shrimp skillet can be on the table and ready to eat in 20 minutes tops. (via Family Food on the Table)

Mindy's Cooking Obsession

Pasta With Peas & Ricotta

Creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses transform this pasta dish into a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese. (via Mindy's Cooking Obsession)

Fannetastic Food

Quinoa Taco Salad

Skip the fried tortilla bowl, and add extra nutrition to your taco salad by including a healthy dose of quinoa. If you're still craving some crunch, sprinkle in a handful of pepitas. (via Fannetastic Food)

Salt & Lavender

Coconut Lime Shrimp

Zesty shrimp cooks up in minutes for a seriously ideal meal any night of the week. (via Salt & Lavender)

The Rustic Foodie

Spicy Vietnamese Salad With Garlic Shrimp

This is not your average salad. Garlic shrimp, avocado, rice noodles, and lots of herbs combine for a hearty bowl with quite the kick! (via The Rustic Foodie)

Primavera Kitchen

Spinach & Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Bake these rolled chicken bites in the oven for a surprisingly easy and satisfying meal. (via Primavera Kitchen)

The Freelancer's Cookbook

Tortellini, Pesto, and Asparagus Soup

A cozy soup featuring pasta and veggies is the fastest way to sate your comfort food cravings. Pesto contributes to the bright, herbaceous flavor of this easy dinner recipe. (via The Freelancer's Cookbook)

Inside the Rustic Kitchen

Tuna Panzanella

Adding a little protein to your favorite Italian bread salad makes it into a full meal. Use oil-packed Italian tuna for a luxurious touch. (via Inside the Rustic Kitchen)

Living Sweet Moments

Za'atar One Pot Chicken & Rice

Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame, puts a Middle Eastern twist on this easy, one-pot chicken and rice dish. (via Living Sweet Moments)

Show us your favorite quick and easy dinner recipes in the comments below or by tagging @BritandCo on IG! Join our newsletter for more ideas and inspiration and check out our new cooking and baking classes!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

recipe roundupeasy recipesquick recipesdinner recipes

This Is Why So Many Books Now Have Colorful, Sprayed Edges Now

Today, many at-home libraries look a lot different than they did just a decade ago.

First, thanks to inspiration and ideas shared by avid readers on social media, classic shelving has gotten a major upgrade, with plenty of people using built-ins, DIY-ing shelving to look like built-ins, or displaying books in more unconventional stands.

Literature lovers are also upping their reading game by incorporating warm lighting, cozy chairs, and other viral bookworm accessories.

What's arguably the most new, though, is the introduction of colorful "sprayed edges" on the books themselves. Perhaps it goes against the classic mantra, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but this trend has taken over the reading scene. This is why!

Here's everything you need to know about sprayed edges books!

What are books with sprayed edges?

Books with "sprayed edges" have their page edges painted, which adds a bold pop of color or reveals an illustration when the book is closed. They're typically designed to complement the cover and invite you into fictional worlds before you even crack a story open.

So, this extra detail has become extremely popular among readers everywhere. It turns any ordinary book into a visual statement and provides book lovers with tons of new opportunities to display their collections.

In fact, some people have opted to begin exhibiting their books with the edges facing out as opposed to the spine. With this technique, your shelving practically transforms into a mosaic of art instead of just a storage area.

When did books with sprayed edges start?

It's important to note that while viral fantasy and romance novels have popularized this trend recently, the concept of decorating book edges has been around for centuries.

In 17th-century England, for instance, a technique called fore-edging, or painting watercolor scenes along the edges of books, became popular. Some novels have even been adorned with gold or silver leaf.

More on books with sprayed edges:

Nowadays, the process of mass-producing books with sprayed edges has been streamlined, with publishers using high-powered machines to keep up with the demand. Plus, countless readers have been DIY-ing this effect for years, using tools ranging from spray paint to markers.

The result makes books feel more exclusive, and they're often even labeled as such, being called "deluxe" or "special editions."

If you want to get your hands on some, you're in luck, too. Various highly anticipated books are being released this year with sprayed edges, including The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff (Signed B&N Exclusive Edition).

Additionally, even some older bestsellers will get their turn to shine with the release of special editions featuring sprayed edges.

Kristin Hannah's historical fiction novel The Nightingale, for example, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a deluxe edition. Readers won't just get sprayed edges but also a new dust jacket, a gold-foil stamped cover, and a ribbon bookmark.

Still, while social media platforms have helped fuel the demand for colorful, eye-catching books, not every work will get such special treatment. Since sprayed edges add to production costs, publishers have to carefully choose which titles get them.

Nonetheless, one thing is certain: fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction books tend to feature them the most, as readers who enjoy these genres really seem to appreciate the decorative aesthetic.

Looking for more book news? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

entertainmentbooks

Ellen Pompeo's "Disturbing" New Hulu Show Is About To Be Your New Obsession

Ellen Pompeo cemented her icon status as Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy, but she's about to up the ante with her new Hulu show, Good American Family. While Pompeo's most known for her medical drama prowess, this new role is still "dark and twisty" — just like Meredith would like it. From the true story this new show is based on to the star-studded cast, there's a lot to know about Pompeo's first new show since Grey's. Let's dig in!

Here's everything you need to know about Ellen Pompeo's new show, Good American Family, streaming on Hulu.

What is Good American Family about?

Hulu

Hulu's Good American Family is actually based on a true story! This show follows Christine (Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass, The Morning Show) as they adopt a little girl with dwarfism, Natalia Grace, and the dramatic aftermath that quickly follows. From navigating Natalia's disability to potentially negating her age, Christine and Michael end up in a controversial struggle to raise their existing children, protect themselves, and move forward how they see fit.

The official logline reads:

"Told from multiple points of view, as a means to explore issues of perspective, bias, and trauma, this compelling drama is inspired by the disturbing stories surrounding a Midwestern couple who adopts a girl with a rare form of dwarfism. But as they begin to raise her alongside their three biological children, mystery emerges around her age and background, and they slowly start to suspect she may not be who she says she is. As they defend their family from the daughter they’ve grown to believe is a threat, she fights her own battle to confront her past and what her future holds, in a showdown that ultimately plays out in the tabloids and the courtroom."

Where can I watch Good American family?

Hulu

Good American Family premiered on Hulu March 19, 2025! The first two episodes are available to stream now.

How many episodes is Good American Family on Hulu?

Hulu

Good American Family is going to have eight episodes total. Here's the full schedule:

  • Season 1, Episode 1 "Almost Like a Prayer" premiered on March 19, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 2 "Jump the Jitters Out" premiered on March 19, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 3 "Ghosts Everywhere" premieres on March 26, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 4 premieres on April 2, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 5 premieres on April 9, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 6 premieres on April 16, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 7 premieres on April 23, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 8 premieres on April 30, 2025

Who's in the Good American Family cast?

Hulu

The Good American Family cast has some pretty exciting names! The main players include:

  • Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett: Natalia's adoptive mother and the matriarch of the family.
  • Mark Duplass as Michael Barnett: Kristine's husband and Natalia's adoptive father.
  • Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia Grace: a little girl with dwarfism who gets adopted by Kristine and Michael.
  • Dulé Hill as Brandon Drysdale: a detective who's investigating the Barnetts
  • Christina Hendricks as Cynthia Mans: Natalia's neighbor.
  • Jerod Haynes as Antwon Mans: Christina's husband.

Who is a Good American Family based on?

Hulu

Good American Family is based on the true story of Natalia Grace Mans, who was adopted by a family in 2010, and while you could go digging through old headlines yourself, there's a highly detailed — and highly dramatic — recent documentary you can watch instead. Max released The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, a three season documentary series that's been updated as recently as January 7, 2025. I've watched every episode, and I can't recommend it more!

Where was Good American Family filmed?

Hulu

The show filmed in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and Long Beach, California from March to July 2024.

What are fans saying about Good American Family?

Hulu

Former Grey's Anatomyco-star Justin Chambers commented "🔥" under Vanity Fair's first look Instagram post, with fans saying everything from "I JUST FELL ON MY KNEES AT WALMART" and "SHES BAAACK" to "I really hope this film portrays what a victim Natalia truly was )):" in the comments.

Watch The Official Trailer For 'Good American Family'

Hulu

The Good American Family trailer starts off with the happy couple Kristine and Michael Barnett opening their home to the seemingly gentle Natalia Grace, but ends with everyone losing their grip on the truth.

Looking for more entertainment news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

This post has been updated.

tv showsentertainmenttv

Nina Dobrev Just Revealed Why She's Not Wedding Planning

Shaun White made us all swoon when he proposed to Nina Dobrev with white roses (and a fake Vogue dinner to throw Nina off the scent). And while this couple is head over heels in L-O-V-E, they're not in a hurry to get down the aisle. The Vampire Diaries star just spilled on why she's not trying to "rush" this phase of her life.

Here's why Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's wedding could come later than expected.

Nina Dobrev doesn't want to "rush" her engagement.

In an interview with E! News, Nina Dobrev explained why she and Shaun White haven't planned too much of their wedding.

“I was in Australia shooting a movie and then Christmas and New Year’s,” she says. “We’re just enjoying being engaged at this point and being in that sort of phase...you have a boyfriend for half of your life and then you have a husband for half of your life but the fiancé period is very short.”

And while being married is so sweet, she's also having fun with their engagement. “I really want to enjoy it and not rush that process," she adds. “It’s so fun to say fiancé."

Nina says she "was never one of those girls who dreamt of what a dream wedding would be,” but it's very important for her to plan a wedding that's as sustainable as it is memorable. "I’d have to do a lot of research and find out the areas of improvement.”

“My number one goal is to find out how to make it as low-impact as possible," she adds.

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev's wedding will be a "blowout party."

But even though we might have to wait to see what Shaun White and Nina Dobrev's wedding looks like, it's sure to be one for the ages! One source tells People the wedding will be a "blowout party."

“They are the perfect fit together — fun and adventurous, but also very grounding for each other,” the source says. “After the proposal, they were calling and texting friends saying, 'It can't get better than this' and were just glowing.”

I have loved keeping up with all their snowboarding, travel, and red carpet adventures, and it's better than ever now that they're fiancés. Cheers to the happy couple!

Loving all this celeb love? I know I am. Check out Hailee Steinfeld Just Kissed Josh Allen (& Flashed Her Engagement Ring) On Live TV for even more celebrity engagement news on Brit + Co!

wedding planningcelebrity relationshipscelebrity