Summer is in full swing and between the chaos of conferences and writing, there is still time for reading. What books have you been reading this summer? Have you discovered any new-to-you authors? Or maybe a new genre you love?

Roseanna’s Reads

I feel like I haven’t gotten much reading done this past month…but I’ve been thoroughly enjoying what I have been reading. 😉

Audio

The Siren by Kiera Cass

I read (and loved) the Selection Series years ago, and when I took my daughter to the Library a couple weeks ago, she snagged a hardback of The Siren by the same author. After she assured me it was awesome (what, you think I’m always the one to give her advice?? LOL), I snagged it on audiobook. It proved a delightful read to keep me company during my drive to a writers conference. There’s a bit of mild language and some references to other characters being promiscuous, but nothing from the POV character.

Love is a risk worth taking.

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can’t resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again. (From Goodreads)

  

For My Bookclub

Code of Valor by Lynnette Eason

We’ve been reading the Blue Justice Series in my book club and highly enjoying them, so of course, this one was next on the list. 😀 It was fun to get one of the brothers’ stories this time–and this one was action-packed with some unexpected twists! Especially loved the scuba diving parts.

What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend’s cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe—and catch those who would see her dead. (From Goodreads)

 

For the Edit

Gators, Guts, and Glory: Adventures Along the Florida Trail by Lauralee “Blissful” Bliss

I get to have extra fun since I edit for WhiteFire. 😉 And this month I was prepping the next Hiking Adventure book for publication! I’m not an avid hiker myself, but I do like the armchair variety. 😉 And I especially enjoy seeing how “Blissful” sees the hand of God in all her adventures. Definitely recommended for outdoor enthusiasts…or those who prefer to read about the great outdoors instead of visiting it themselves. 😉

Wander on the wild and humorous side of adventure with long-distance hiker Lauralee Bliss (trail name Blissful), hiking the 1,100-mile Florida Trail from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore. From alligators and cottonmouths to tenting among the palmettos and walking on water, from forests of cypress knees and lofty pine to the help of trail angels along the way, “Blissful” uncovers the hidden gems of glory in this National Scenic Trail with a unique journey unlike any other. (From Goodreads)

 

For Fun

A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

Okay, I admit it–as of the writing of this post, I’m not actually finished with this book yet. But I’m about 1/3 of the way in and absolutely loving it. I can’t believe I’ve never actually read one of Kristi’s books before–I have them here, just haven’t picked them up yet. But you can be sure that’s going to change. Love her writing style, setting, and characters!!

When Katherine “Kit” FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she’s forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend’s missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she’s telling. (From Goodreads)

 

Rachel’s Reads

Wow! This summer has gotten so crazy busy! I am so thankful for audiobooks. I would not be able to read as many books without them. Here are some of the books I’ve been reading this month. You can watch for my reviews over on my blog, Bookworm Mama.

For My Bookclub (& Audio)

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

To be honest, I’d never even heard of this book before. It is the perfect read for summer though. I’m enjoying it so far. Here is a little bit more about it…

The summer of ’28 was a vintage season for a growing boy. A summer of green apple trees, mowed lawns, and new sneakers. Of half-burnt firecrackers, of gathering dandelions, of Grandma’s belly-busting dinner. It was a summer of sorrows and marvels and gold-fuzzed bees. A magical, timeless summer in the life of a twelve-year-old boy named Douglas Spaulding–remembered forever by the incomparable Ray Bradbury. (From Goodreads)

 

For Fun/Review

Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson

I LOVE this story. Mystery, secrets, murder, Regency England…Yup…I’m hooked! Abigail Wilson’s debut novel, In the Shadow of Croft Towers, was fabulous! And this story is proving just as wonderful. Here is a little teaser…

She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak . . . 



After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. (From Goodreads)

 
The Girl From the Savoy by Hazel Gaynor

If you saw our last post, you’ll know that I have been devouring Hazel Gaynor’s books. I can’t believe I’ve never read these books! The Girl from the Savoy is so beautiful. Full of tragedy, love, dreams, and friendship…

Sometimes life gives you cotton stockings. Sometimes it gives you a Chanel gown …



Dolly Lane is a dreamer; a downtrodden maid who longs to dance on the London stage, but her life has been fractured by the Great War. Memories of the soldier she loved, of secret shame and profound loss, by turns pull her back and spur her on to make a better life. (From Goodreads)
Please Note: This is General Market Historical Fiction. There may be some language, but otherwise clean.

 
The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor
Yes, another Hazel Gaynor book…Surprised? They really are JUST.THAT.GOOD!!! This story is full of books, fairies, a dashing Irish man, adorable children, and a secret kept for a hundred years…
1917… It was inexplicable, impossible, but it had to be true—didn’t it? When two young cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright from Cottingley, England, claim to have photographed fairies at the bottom of the garden, their parents are astonished. But when one of the great novelists of the time, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, becomes convinced of the photographs’ authenticity, the girls become a national sensation, their discovery offering hope to those longing for something to believe in amid a world ravaged by war. Frances and Elsie will hide their secret for many decades. But Frances longs for the truth to be told. (From Goodreads)
Please Note: This is General Market Historical Fiction. There may be some language, but otherwise clean.
 

With the Kids
Jack Frost The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce
Judah picked this book up at the Library last week. We have only read a few chapters so far but the boys are loving it and it is really fun. A new twist on legendary creatures, Jack Frost (obviously), Mother Nature, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, etc. Battling against evil forces to keep the world safe and whole. This is book 5 in the series, but it doesn’t seem to make that much a difference. Here’s to discovering new books…

The Guardians came together to protect the childhoods of all who dream, and they are a formidable team: Nicholas St. North, E. Aster Bunnymund, Toothiana, the Sandman, Nightlight, and Katherine have thus far prevented Pitch from fulfilling his nightmarish plans.



But Pitch and his nightmare men lurk on the fringes, gathering strength, stewing in hate, and the Guardians know their guard needs one more member if they are going to vanquish Pitch for all eternity. And once they find the last in their band, they’ll travel to the secret realm of the Man in the Moon, encounter armies of Moonbots, and face the greatest battle since the Golden Age; and that is just the beginning of this grand conclusion to a series most grand. (From Goodreads)



 

Happy Summer!!!

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