Reading Not Reviewing During Summer Vacay + Book Community Drama!

It's been a busy book season and last weekend's Book Fair at Bel Air was a lovely, successful event and a great way to slide into a pause before co-hosting the Women in Fiction Book Fair at Marietta Historic Site & Museum Saturday, September 19. All tabling spots are filled, but it's free to attend!

thewritewomenbookfest.org/women-in-fiction-book-fair.html

[a rolled up beach umbrella in a clear plastic sleeve and a folded blue beach chair leaning against a rear car tire]

Hat, sunscreen, swimsuits, rash guard, water bottle, snacks, books...

[13 books, from top to bottom: Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane, A Committee of One, Take Me To Your Leader, Don't Tell Me How It Ends, The Lust Crusade, Extracurricular, Our Ex's Wedding, Love Variations, Chasing the Ring, How Simi Got Her Groom Back, A Curse of Beasts and Magic, Enter the Nightmare, A Cruise to Die For; stacked against a beach towel with a seashells pattern]

Taking some time to rest and recharge before next month's book event. So no reviews probably until October, but last night Heather and I chatted about recent drama in the book community surrounding a post, and subsequent apology, by a book influencer who announced charging "small authors" $1,000 for book reviews--audiobooks only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xp5cePn9mA

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, safety, joy & some pleasure every day

Comments

Heartthrobs, Zombie Mobs & Hollywood Divas

Laughs, gore and drama galore! [3 trade paperback books from left to right: One Death at a Time, He Falls First, Zom RomCom] One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman contemporary mystery Berkley, April 2025 Sobriety challenges, meetings, an uneasy alliance, a road trip, an assortment of unusual and unlikely allies, betrayals, lots of laugh and profound sentiment make Julia and Natasha's journey an enjoyable ride even as it addresses ageism sexism with organic candor. He Falls First by Jill Shalvis contemporary romance Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025 This love story focuses on the joy of support offered by biological and found family even as it references the evolution of recovery from past experiences of domestic violence. Zom RomCom by Olivia Dade contemporary speculative adventure romance Berkley Romance, August 2025 A laugh-aloud spoof of manmade horrors with its own unique quirkiness that delivers so ...

Everyday Magic & Genre Mashups

Three outstanding reads by authors who've crafted irresistible tales that defy the confines of the narrow expectations of a single genre. [three books arranged face up, from left to right: Chocolate Chip City, He's To Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe] Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell contemporary speculative fiction with romance Bywater Books, June 2025 In this lyrical, lush composition three sisters, Jasmine, Ella and Layla, embody riffs on power: of the individual, family, community, culture; attraction, repulsion, collaboration. It's anchored in harsh realities while using magical realism and sharp humor to explore the often awkward and discouraging search for purpose, acceptance, and love in the context of life and the socio-economic pyramid scheme of capitalism. Its recurring variations on themes of erasure and reclaiming legacies echo a present-day continuum of The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope and an emotional texture reminiscent of Like ...

Deja Vu, Recalibrating, Pyramid Schemes & Narcissists

More satisfying romances from an array of talented authors who love love to help offset the real-life ethical and moral horrors shared in a riveting memoir. [3 trade paperback books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Pugs & Kisses, When Javi Dumped Mari, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball] Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon contemporary adult romance Hachette Book Group, July 2025 Evie's juggling a lot personally and professionally. Can the man who ghosted her years ago earn her forgiveness and regain her trust enough to work with her to achieve her personal and professional goals? Revealing those answers offers readers a charming tale of wooing. When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa contemporary adult romance G.P. Putnam's Sons, June 2025 In the decade since they became college besties, Mari and Javi have decisions to make. WIll they jeopardize the shaky stability of the status quo or risk their hearts and the futur...

Search This Blog