It’s finally almost feeling like summer here in the Puget Sound. Except for last night, the last few weeks have been wonderfully sunny and warm, as those of you who follow my Instagram and Facebook accounts know. The long daylight hours make up for the short, gray, and rainy days we endured in the winter. When the summer solstice rolls around on June 20, we’ll have 15 hours and 59 minutes of daylight, from sunrise at 5:11 a.m. to sunset at 9:10 p.m. My husband, who needs to jet off to work early, and I take morning walks. Not having to worry about flashlights and reflective gear is wonderful!
Gray summer days make good reading too!
Summer and reading seem to go hand in hand. There’s something about being outside with a book, whether it’s at a beach, in the backyard, or by Piper’s kiddie pool, that is so relaxing. Reading has so many benefits such as reducing stress, improving memory, and increasing brain power. It helps develop empathy, expands attention span, makes me a better writer and so much more. Most of what I read falls within my genre of clean contemporary romance and Amish fiction. While I read all year long, summer is when I might try out a different genre or a new author.
Piper enjoys sitting outside while I do some reading, at least until something distracts her.
I also find I read differently in the summer. In winter I snuggle under a blanket in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea nearby. If not a library book, I underline passages and jot down notes in the margins if I notice clever word usage or a twist of phrase I want to revisit. In fact, I may read the book again as if it was a textbook. I learn much from other authors.
Not quite a throne, but having the time to read does make me a feel a bit like a princess.
My summer reading this year includes Golden Girls by Elin Hilderbrand, Family Reunion by Nancy Thayer, The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews, The Cottage Guesthouse by Robin Carr, and The People We meet On Vacation by Emily Henry, The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery. Amish author Shelley Shepard Gray and talented Suzanne Woods Fisher are two of my favorite authors. Can’t wait to read their recent releases.
What’s on your summer reading list?
To help celebrate reading I’m giving away a $100 Amazon gift certificate and a copy of either of my latest novels, Stage Fright or From Rome With Love, your choice of paperback or eBook. US and Canada only. Winner has three days to respond.
I’ve read all your books, but “Marguerite” & its in my TBR pile. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all & look forward to reading more in the future.
I haven’t had a chance to read your books yet but would love too! I would choose From Rome With Love in a paperback if I was to win!!!
Love your books
Thank you, Ronda!
Wont let me enter
Thanks, Darlene! Good luck in the Giveaway.
I haven’t gotten to read Stage Fright yet. I hope to figure out how to get it onto my kindle soon.
Stage Fright is on my list for the summer…as are the last three James Patterson books…and I’ve found a few Amish authors I haven’t read yet…thanks so much for the chance to win…I could buy them all !
Hope you enjoy Stage Fright! James Patterson is always good.
I love your books thank you for keeping them coming
Many thanks, Roberta!
I’m so excited about entering your giveaway! I would like some new authors for summers reading excitement. Your book From Rome with Love looks like something I will enjoy. Thank you for the offer.
Wishing you the best of luck, Susan!
I can’t wait to read these now that I am finished with homeschooling!!
Yay, glad you’re finished with homeschooling!
thanks for the chance to win this God bless
God bless you, Deb!
I can’t wait to read more of your books. I have 2 of them on my “to be read” pile. (Letter from Lancaster County and Starting from Scratch) Now that the nice weather is here I will enjoy reading them while sitting out on my porch. (Lancaster County, PA has had 90+ degree weather and high humidity for quite a few days so had to stay inside. Hoping the weekend brings relief.
I heard it’s been hot, Brenda. PS: Check out the library in Intercourse, PA, for my Amish books.
Those Amish books have caught my eyes! I don’t believe I have read your books but this would be a good way to get started!
Thanks, Judith. Happy reading!
Thank you for an opportunity here to win a gift card and a book! Always enjoy your books, and would love to win an Amazon card…I always have lots of books in my cart just waiting to come up with the $$$ to buy them!
Will you be writing any more Amish novels in the near future? Sure hope so!
Please check your private messages on your Facebook page… I will be sending you a PM there.
Thank you and Blessings to you…
Yes, Carol. Need to get my publisher’s okay. I will announce it on Keeping up with the Amish if all goes well.
P.S. Forgot to say that I am currently reading an Amish novel by Beverly Lewis ~
Would like to get a chance to read your books.
Hope you do, Suzanne. If you don’t win, try your public library.
I love all of your books that I have read and would love To Rome With Love to read. I love to have a book in hand so a paperback would be great. Enjoy your summer reads and keep writing such great books.
Thanks for your words of encouragement, Marcia!
Hi Kate never read your books love to especially being disabled would make me have joy in my life
Thanks, Karen! Does your library deliver them? If you don’t win I suggest you contact them.
I love and enjoy reading your books. You’re a fantastic author when you can keep my full attention in your books.