July 2024
July 1, 2024
My July Reading Picks . . .
What is a writer who doesn't read? That's not a trick question. To be an excellent writer, you really need to delve into reading. The ins and outs of characterization, plotting, themes, good solid conflict. I admit to reading horrible books. Like, 'I can't believe I paid money for that' books. Has that happened to you? Ugh, I hate when that happens. But when you find an author who captures you with a story that sticks with you, you want to read whatever that author releases in the future. And that is what I aim to do.
Shadow & Storms: The Legends of Thezmarr by Helen Scheurer. The fourth and final book in The Legends of Thezmarr series continues the story of Thea and Wilder and their fight against monsters. Oh, and a prophecy that says she dies soon. I have loved this series. Basically, any story that has a strong female protagonist, without having an enemy to lovers trope. I'm not a big fan of that trope.
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness. The fifth book in her All Souls series releases mid-July and continues the story of Diana Bishop, a witch and Oxford scholar, and Matthew de Clairmont, a vampire geneticist. Witches, vampires, demons and a lost, enchanted manuscript known as the Ashmole 782, along with time travel, the adventures of Diana and Matthew will draw you in like you never expect. If you love romance and suspense, mixed with magic and history and a little added in fantasy, I highly recommend the series. I admit, I didn't know there was another one in the works after reading Times Convert when it was published in 2018. I have loved this series.
The Breathless Trilogy by Maya Banks. This would be a first time with this author for me. The reason I want to read this series is that she is a romantic suspense writer, as am I. As such, I always like to read authors who write the same genres to recommend to my readers. Maya Banks is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with this series, so I'm willing to check her out.
Indie author E.H. Drake is also borrowing me a couple of books I'm mentioned wanting to read, and usually when someone is kind enough to borrow me a book, I like to get it back as quickly as I can. Some books are precious to us, and to borrow them out is risky, as we all know.
This might be all I'll be able to fit in for reading during July, as I'll be busy editing The Aristocrat's Wife. I'll let you know what I think after reading these books! Likewise, if you've read any of Maya Banks or Deborah Harkness, let me know what you've thought by dropping me a comment in my contact or emailing me directly! I'd love to hear from you.
Welcome new friends who have joined my emailing list! Whether you signed up via my website or by stopping in to see me at a craft show or event, I'm happy to have you!
Stay tuned, and happy reading!
Upcoming Happenings
July events! After missing two events in June because I fell sick and didn't want to spread germs, I'm ready for the rest of my summer events and to meet more people.
- Mayer Rising Community Festival Craft & Vendor Show in Mayer MN on Saturday, July 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a free family friend annual festival in the lovely town of Mayer, MN located just west of Waconia. Events for the day include a car/tractor/cycle show, the craft & vendor show located inside and outside of the community center, youth baseball clinic, bounce houses, face paintings, food, and more! If you're in the area or know someone in the area, stop on by!
- Nordic Craft Crawl on Sunday, July 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nordic BrewPub in Monticello, MN. Who doesn't enjoy an ice cold beer on a hot July day? Beat the heat and come on in for our free indoor craft show. Artisan, authors, and more!
Signed copies of my books are available at all events for $18.00 (includes tax).
Besides my craft show events, I'll be doing a book signing at Hearthside Books in Watertown, MN. If you haven't heard already, my books are available for purchase in this cute little bookstore located right in downtown Watertown. The book signing is on July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. What's unique about this bookstore is the owners, Eric and Char, celebrate Indie authors by hosting author signings on Saturdays in summer. Not only that, but they also carry Minnesota artisan crafts in their bookstore, have a meeting room, and do a children's book reading on Tuesday. If you're in the area, check out this bookstore. You will absolutely fall in love with it.
If You're Interested...
Check out my upcoming blogs this month. I'll be covering some upcoming books I can't wait to read in my blog scheduled for July 12. My July 24 blog will feature my local bookstore. Bet you can't guess which one!
Have any idea about a topic in my next newsletter or blog? Let me know!