September: 7 Mini Book Reviews: N. Baart, L. Bujold, D. Cox, B. Davis, D. Gabaldon, J. Timmer, S. Wilbanks

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Here's a much longer and more varied list of books for you to sample. Enjoy!

THE  BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS Nicole Baart: Women's Fiction

How far can you fall? Do you have the courage to climb back up? That's the question Adrienne Vogt and Harper Penny must answer in this powerful story.

 KOMARR Lois McMaster Bujold: SF/Space Opera

Miles Vorkosigan, Bujold's extraordinary and unlikely hero finds love., only winning the lady's hand is not for the faint of heart.

 TYPEWRITER FROM HELL Diane Cox: Paranormal Romance

Typewriter from Hell is a devilishly fun read. I dare you to put it down...or to look at an old typewriter the same way again. 

SUMMER AT HIDEAWAY KEY Barbara Davis: Women's Fiction

This story is a poignant study of three women and how sacrifice, love, and forgiveness figure into life. Fabulous Read.

 THE SPACE BETWEEN Diana Gabaldon: historical, paranormal, time travel

Once again, Diana Gabaldon takes us on a wild ride. This time, it's the story of Michael Murray and Joan McKimmie and their arrival in France. Their lives are complicated by the Comte St. Germaine. And that's never a good thing. 

 FIVE DAYS LEFT Julie Lawson Timmer: General Fiction

The real life of these two families is not for the fainthearted, and the language reflects that. Both Mara--a mother with Huntington's Disease--and Scott--a middle school teacher in inner-city Detroit--face saying goodbye to their beloved children. This one will keep you turning pages late into the night.

THE LEMONCHOLY LIFE OF ANNIE ASTER Scott Wilbanks: Time Travel Family Saga

This is a book for fans of Science Fiction, family sagas, women's fiction, and just plain good storytelling. Scott Wilbanks' debut is wonderful.

Next Two Weeks: I'll be taking the next two weeks off to plan for and attend the Women's Fiction Writers Association's first writing retreat in Albuquerque. Keep reading and I'll see you back In the Shade on October 4. ;-)

Want A Little Romance?

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I take it the answer is "Yes!" ;-) I'll admit that I don't read Romance as a genre much, but I do read romances by authors I know. When someone so kindly shared the NPR's Happily Ever After: 100 Swoon-Worthy Romances, I was thrilled to find two of my favorites on it--Joanna Bourne and Diana Gabaldon. Without further ado, I'll introduce you to those two worthy writers and three others whose books are more than worth a look. Enjoy!

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Joanna Bourne: Joanna's Spymaster's Series is fabulous and full of well-researched historical details. Be sure to check them all out.

This is another great Joanna Bourne historical romance! You can't go wrong with Jo as the author. Her spymasters series is the best! 

Diana Gabaldon: How many times can I tell you to read these books! Though technically none of Diana's books are romances by the genre definition, that hasn't stopped people from classing them as such. I'll just say they're oh, so much more! 

 WRITTEN IN MY HEART'S OWN BLOOD Diana Gabaldon is a historical, adventure, military, SF/fantasy, and indescribably good

Diana Gabaldon has again crafted an amazing story, a masterpiece that ties up the threads from its predecessor, AN ECHO IN THE BONE, with a roller coaster of a ride. She writes every single one of her POV characters' hearts, minds, and souls with humanity. WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD is my second favorite of all the Gabaldon books. But be forewarned: There's more coming in this story. If you haven't read Diana Gabaldon's books before, start at the beginning with OUTLANDER. You won't be sorry. 

Darlene Marshall: I'll just say: Pirates, Oh My! ;-)

 Darlene Marshall has another smasher for you! I loved it. I figured out Robert's secret, but Lydia's caught me by surprise. All of the clues were there. Well done!

Elle Druskin: Elle's books are for those of you who like their romances contemporary and on the comedic side. Maybe, make that screwball. ;-) 

The fourth installment in Elle Druskin's Liberty Heights series lives up to the zany humor and romance of the first three. This time there's fire involved. Be sure and check out Druskin's books for a fun, light read. 

 

 

 

 

Kristin Callihan: Warning: Kristin Callihan's historical, paranormal, steampunk, romances are on the Hot! side. ;-) 

  Callihan's Darkest London series continues with her usual genre bending. The romance is on the side of steamy and the plot is as baroque as her readers have come to expect. Evernight takes two unlikely lovers and builds a tale of love, torment, sacrifice, and resilience. 

 

Happy Reading!

Next Week: September's Mini Book Reviews!

IWSG: Who Is Supporting You?

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Insecure Writers Support Group

 Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

The awesome co-hosts for the the September 2 posting of the IWSG will be Julie Flanders, Murees Dupé, Dolorah at Book Lover, Christine Rains, and Heather Gardner!

Who is your main supporter, cheerleader, etc.? 

While writing is initially a job for one, we all need someone on the sidelines who helps us stay on track. They might do any of the following:

• line editing
• beta reading
• feeding us when we're starving
• All Of The Above

My supporter is my hubby. So in honor of our 38th anniversary on Friday, let me say:

 John,
Only you know where all the real-life bones are buried in my Cherry Hill. You're the best plot-twist generator known to writerdom. The meanest, most horrifying twists come from your fertile story mind. I know to sit up and take notes when you say, "What if?" I thank you from the bottom of my storyteller's heart for all the help you give me. {{{{hugs}}}}

Next Week: Are you in the mood for Romance? ;-)