I love to write. Though it’s come to me late in life, it’s quickly become a passion of mine. Not only does it fill me with great joy, it’s therapeutic as well. If I’m not working on content edits for my debut novel, WHERE THE GRASS GROWS BLUE, for my publisher, Red Adept, I’m polishing my second WIP (work-in-progress), ASHES TO ASHES. When I get stuck there, I start mapping out the timeline of my third novel, TOBACCO ROAD (I’m really excited about that one). As you can see, I love the entire creative process. But all these words and ideas are a bit overwhelming. So many stories are running through my head at the same time. What do I do to relax? How do I calm myself? I simply pick up one of life’s greatest joys...a book. It’s a salve to soothe my chaos.
I read lots and lots of books. Tons, in fact. I will read anything if the opportunity arises. I read when I’m exercising. I read when I’m having my morning cup of beloved coffee before the sun comes up. I read while sitting in an infrared sauna at one hundred and fifty-five degrees, sweating my way to health. I always have a book in hand. All I do in my free time is read (and play tennis, but let’s focus on one obsession at a time, shall we?)
I’ve been lucky to stumble across some incredible books in the last few weeks that have been created by some fantastic authors. Netflix cannot compete with a good story mixed with an active imagination. Trust me, the book is ALWAYS better.
Now that summer is upon us (we’re halfway through it if you can believe it), I want to share some gems. If you’re looking for your next great novel to take on vacation or just read in the coziness of your home, these are the books for you. (Click on the arrows to find out what I thought about each one!)
LAST LIAR STANDING by Danielle M. Wong - THRILLER
IN A JAM by Cindy Dorminy - ROMANCE
THE HOTEL NANTUCKET by Elin Hilderbrand - WOMEN’S FICTION
THE LOST SUMMERS OF NEWPORT by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White - WOMEN’S FICTION
THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE Kristy Woodson Harvey - WOMEN’S FICTION
PERENNIALS by Julie Cantrell - WOMEN'S FICTION
Happy reading! And happy drinking, too!
Until next time…
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