End of Summer Reads

Greetings! Summer is coming to a close, and now that the kids are back in school, I’m back to work. So, I’m sharing one last end-of-summer reading list with you before I jump into the autumn thriller/mystery season. Fall is amazing. It’s a time of vibrant landscapes, pumpkin spice lattes, soups and stews, football, and it’s a time when writers can justify wearing yoga/sweat pants all day. Even though a lot of us have probably been wearing our jammies or yesterday’s workout gear all along, it is not universally accepted until the weather turns chilly. Then, who cares? We’re all too busy looking at pumpkins and leaves to notice. 

So, here goes. I’ve picked some books I want to read, and a couple I wouldn’t normally read, but probably should. Perhaps, you’ll find a book you come to love somewhere on this list. In any case, enjoy the day and whatever you’re reading!

Bay of Sighs by Nora Roberts

The title of this fantasy romance sounds so intriguing I may just buy the book to have it in my library. It helps that Roberts is an amazingly versatile author. She’s written enough books to fill several libraries, and can move between genres, like it’s no big deal. The third book of The Guardians Trilogy is coming in December, so there is plenty of time to read Bay of Sighs and Stars of Fortune before Island of Glass launches.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bay-of-sighs-nora-roberts/1122935473?ean=9780425280119#productInfoTabs

Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

A new series from a couple of solid authors. Evanovich made a splash with the humorous Stephanie Plum series, and is collaborating again with Phoef Sutton (they co-authored Wicked Charms) to launch the Knight and Moon series. Looks like a fun one. 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/curious-minds-janet-evanovich/1123476321?ean=9780553392685

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

Comedy is subjective. What one person might find funny another may not. I find humor in a lot of things, but a lot depends on the situation and my viewpoint. What I’m saying, is while I don’t watch Amy Schumer, I have found some of her clips and a couple feature articles about her funny. She’s kind of a big deal right now, so it might be an interesting read.

Notes from Barnes & Noble Overview (from B&N site)

“In The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, Amy mines her past for stories about her teenage years, her family, relationships, and sex and shares the experiences that have shaped who she is—a woman with the courage to bare her soul to stand up for what she believes in, all while making us laugh.”

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-with-the-lower-back-tattoo-amy-schumer/1123499310?ean=9781501139888

Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber

The conclusion of the Rose Harbor series received a number of positive reviews, I read more of those now that I’m an author, and this might be a series to consider binge reading as the summer heat wanes.

Notes from Barnes & Noble Overview (from B&N site)

“With Debbie Macomber’s trademark charm and wisdom, Sweet Tomorrows brings to a close the journeys of cherished characters who feel like old friends. Macomber has created an enchanting place in the Rose Harbor Inn that readers will never forget.”

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-tomorrows-debbie-macomber/1123626872?ean=9780553391848#productInfoTabs

Stuck indoors, again? Read a book (or ten)

Winter is not leaving without a fight, it appears, so if you’re huddled up inside today, tomorrow, until summer, here are some book suggestions to keep you company.

I also found some news for any Anne Rice fans reading this blog. The author of Interview with the Vampire is releasing a novel titled Prince Lestat about vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, in October. Here’s some more info if you want to read more. 

The Chase by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. FBI Agent Kate O’Hare and internationally know thief Nicholas Fox return with more excitement and adventure.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean. Since it’ll be a long time before any of us can wear shoes of any kind, other than boots.

Slammed by Colleen Hoover. Because she’s a writer, mom and ninja who can spin a tale like crazy. Plus, this and a few others are already optioned to hit the big screen!

Since it’s Seuss month, and my baby just had a birthday: Happy Birthday to You by Dr. Seuss. Read something fun with your kids!

Happy Reading!

P.S. I like taking pictures of drinks and sharing them when they look this good. Cheers!

Summer Reads—Mystery Monday

Here's a quick list for Mystery Monday. 

Hungry for a cozy mystery? Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke. This is #16 of the Hannah Swensen series.

The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg.

Untraceable by Laura Griffin. There is action of all kinds in the first of the Tracers romance mystery series.

Summer Reads—Funny Friday

Funny is on my mind this week. Since it’s a theme worth further discussion, I’ve gathered some fun and funny reads for Friday. Maybe something on this list will help you, or your kids, unwind. Cheers to the weekend!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. A fun book to read with your kids – we love to ask our little ones if the pigeon should drive the bus. They giggle and let out a couple emphatic NOs!

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner. The best way to read this is in full-on Skippito Friskito-mode and laugh with your little ones.

I keep telling myself I need to read this book, just as soon as I get some spare time. Bossypants. Hey, it’s by Tina Fey. What else can I say?

Anything by Janet Evanovich.

SYOAS!

Unofficial start to summer reads!

If you're looking for a good distraction or just a good unofficial start to summer read, here are a few authors and books you may want to check out:

Colleen Hoover recently released This Girl, her third of the Slammed series - 'butterflying' love it!

Jimmy Connors released a memoir last week - although the guy was a little too busy winning matches to autograph a tennis ball for me at an ATP tourney decades ago, I think I'm over it...his candid approach to this memoir could make a really interesting read. 

Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg have a new one called The Heist out June 18.

Tammara Webber rolls out Between the Lines #4 Here Without You this summer. 

Sue Grafton is nearing Z in her Kinsey Millhone alphabet-titled series. W is for Wasted pubs late summer, but there are 22 other alphabet mysteries you can read until then.

There is plenty more to come! Check back for special announcements and my Summer Reads series—including cool adult and children's books.

Post what's on your bookshelf in the comments, or share with me on Goodreads. :)

It's time for Summer Reads

It's been a tough week, but I am glad that summer is officially here. Sunny days (hopefully), warm, breezy evenings and some great summer reads are here again!

I am in serious need of fun characters and a lot of laughs. Who is my go to author, you ask? Why, it's Janet Evanovich of course! Here's lookin' at Smokin' Seventeen and the mess of trouble Stephanie Plum gets herself into and out of this season. Here's her link, enjoy!

I can only hope that someday the right studio gets this series on screen - c'mon, we need more Plum in our lives (and Morelli, Ranger, Granny Mazur, Lula - you get the picture).  :)

Summer Reads Final Week – A fun series you’ll fall for

Perhaps summer is still sizzling in your area, or frigid temps may be just around the corner. Either way, fall is nearly here, officially, and there is a great summer-kind-of-read that will take you right into autumn.

Janet Evanovich’s book Wicked Appetite is a new Unmentionable Series book, but stars the Diesel you know and love from the Between-the-numbers Plum novels.

Is there another woman in Diesel’s life? Well, here is a little blurb about the new girl. Hit the author’s page for more details and to read an excerpt.

Elizabeth Tucker is freshly transplanted from New York City to Boston's North Shore. With a new job as pastry chef at Dazzle's bakery and an old house inherited from her Aunt Ophelia, her life is pretty much on track …until it's suddenly derailed by a guy named Diesel, a rude monkey, and a ninja cat.

A ninja cat? What's next? I’m ready to curl up with some cider and enjoy what is sure to be a lively romp through the Northeast – perfect for the end of summer. Happy reading!

Summer Reads - 07/21/10

New from Janet Evanovich and Alex Evanovich is Troublemaker. It’s based on the Alex Barnaby and Sam Hooker series. Originally, I thought this was coming out in book format, but it turns out that it’s a graphic novel. If you want to see a preview, click to the Janet Evanovich site. She starts her book description with, “Alex Barnaby and Sam Hooker are back together and fighting crime the only way they know how -- by leaving a trail of chaos, panic and disorder.” Sounded fun, so I checked it out.

I don’t typically read this format, but once I saw Beans, the Saint Bernard, I gave it a chance. Beans is pretty cute as a comic figure, which helps since we don’t have Morelli or Ranger to drool over.

Enjoy your summer and your summer reads!

Summer Reads - Heating things up

There is a place where dreams come true – it’s called New Jersey. Not convinced? Might I suggest Sizzling Sixteen? It’s the next in the Stephanie Plum series and a sure cure for the summertime blues (if in fact that’s what you have).

Wondering if Stephanie gets lucky with Morelli or Ranger? How many cars get torched, or if she gets out of danger in time to save Vinnie and the bond business? Then you’ll want to clear the decks for the new Janet Evanovich book that hits stores next week.

SYOAS!