Rebecca Barraclough

Lately, my reading list feels like a gentle conversation between two parts of me—the part that craves stories that touch the heart, and the part that’s always looking to grow and lead with intention. Here’s a little peek at what I’ve been wrapped up in these days.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

This book quietly pulled me in with its rich, atmospheric storytelling. It’s about family, secrets, and the ways our pasts echo through time. Moore’s writing feels like a soft whisper, inviting you to slow down and really feel what the characters are going through. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in mystery and pain, there’s so much humanity to hold onto.

Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez

This one is a darker, more intense journey—part gothic tale, part reflection on grief and resilience. It’s haunting and emotional, and sometimes hard to read, but it also shows how people carry their histories, their fears, and their love, even when everything feels overwhelming. It’s a reminder that strength often lives in the shadows we don’t always see.

Harvard Business Review Reads on Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Change Management

On a different note, I’ve been spending time with some thoughtful pieces from Harvard Business Review that gently remind me what it means to lead with heart. These readings focus on:

• Leadership — How being open, curious, and adaptable helps us guide others through uncertainty.
• Emotional Intelligence — How tuning into our own feelings and those of others creates space for real connection.
• Change Management — How change is more than just new processes or tools — it’s about people feeling supported and seen along the way.

Why I Love This Balance

I’ve found that stories and leadership lessons don’t have to live in separate worlds. The fiction I’m reading gives me space to connect with deeper emotions and human complexity. The leadership insights help me bring that understanding into how I work, how I support others, and how I grow myself.

Reading like this feels like self-care — for both my mind and my heart. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or stuck, maybe try mixing a little storytime with some gentle learning. You might find it opens new ways to see yourself and the people around you.

#library #books #godofthewoods #mentalhealth #abundance #voice