I am very much a mood reader which means I’m terrible at reading challenges, creating TBR’s for coming weeks/months, and keeping track of what I’ve read. Since January I’ve read a few books but because I was so focused on my writing deadlines and dealing with my parents, I wasn’t very good about logging my reads.

And because the past six months have been a blur, I feel that I’m missing a book or two from the list below. I decided not to let that little detail keep me from sharing the books I do remember reading with you today.

Now, this is only a list of my reads so far for 2022. If you’re looking for a review, you won’t find one here. I’ve made the decision that since I am an author, I will not write book reviews on my blog. If I share a book with you know that it’s a book that I’ve enjoyed. I will not share a book that I didn’t finish or that I hated.

While I know the importance of book reviews for authors, I doubt you’re visiting my blog for reviews because there are plenty of other blogs who do that so much better. And even though I’m not writing reviews, I do encourage you to write reviews for the books you’ve read because it’s a great way to support your favorite authors. If you’re unsure of how to write a book review, I do have a free pdf you can download here.

Okay, ready for my short list?  BTW, at the bottom you’ll find the next three books I plan on reading over the summer.

THE JEAN HARLOW BOMBSHELL BY MOLLIE COX BRYAN

THE SECRETS WE SHARE BY EDWIN HILL

At first glance, Natalie Cavanaugh and Glenn Abbott hardly look like sisters. Even off-duty, Natalie dresses like a Boston cop, preferring practical clothes and unfussy, pinned-up hair. Her younger sister, Glenn, seems tailor-made for the spotlight, from her signature red mane to her camera-ready smile. Glenn has spent years cultivating her brand through her baking blog, and with the publication of her new book, that hard work seems about to pay off. But her fans have no idea about the nightmare in Glenn and Natalie’s past.

Twenty years ago, their father’s body was discovered in the woods behind their house. A trauma like that doesn’t fit with Glenn’s public image. Yet, maybe someone reading her blog does know something. There have been anonymous online messages, vague yet ominous, hinting that she’s being watched. And with unsettling coincidences hitting ever closer to home, both Glenn and Natalie soon have more pressing matters to worry about, especially when a dead body is found in an abandoned building . . .

Natalie is starting to wonder how much Glenn really knows about the people closest to her. But are there also secrets Natalie has yet to uncover about those she herself trusts? For two decades, she’s believed their father was murdered by their neighbor, with whom he was having an affair. But if those events are connected to what’s happening now, maybe there’s much more that Natalie doesn’t know. About their father. About their neighbors. About her friends. Maybe even about herself.

But there are no secrets between sisters . . . are there?

Here are the three books I have in queue to read next. I’m dying to dive into all three.

THE SECOND HUSBAND BY KATE WHITE

WITH A SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE BY LENA GREGORY

MURDER IN A CAPE COTTAGE BY MADDIE DAY

What are you reading now? What’s on your TBR for the summer? Share below in the comments.

Debra

Autumn has always been my most favorite season. When I was little, I looked forward to back-to-school shopping (I loved getting a new school bag) and I was so excited about the new TV season (remember when shows only had one season?). Then as I got older, I started getting excited about all the new fall fashions (bring on the sweaters!) and then as I became a baker I dreamed all summer of all the pumpkin things I bake (there’s never enough pumpkin spice). The one thing I’ve enjoyed throughout my life has been reading and reading in the fall has always been special. There’s just something about the cool weather, shorter days and cozying up with a good book.

This year I’m truly looking to escape more into fictional worlds whenever I have the chance. And leading my fall reading list is WINE AND PUNISHMENT by Sarah Fox.

In the first in an engaging new mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox, the owner of a charming literary pub finds her fresh start on the rocks thanks to a case of murder.

Booklover Sadie Coleman knows that in life, as in fiction, the right setting can make a world of difference. The small town of Shady Creek, Vermont, seems like the perfect place to start over after losing her Boston job to a merger and her relationship to her ex’s gambling addiction. She’s bought and redecorated the old grist mill pub, transforming the Inkwell into a cozy spot where tourists and regulars alike can enjoy a pint or a literary-themed cocktail, or join one of several book clubs.
 
Little by little, Sadie is adjusting to the rhythms of her new home. Fall in Shady Creek is bookmarked by the much-anticipated Autumn Festival, complete with a pumpkin catapult competition and pie bake-off. Unfortunately, the season also brings an unwelcome visitor—Sadie’s ex, Eric, who’s angling for a second chance . . .
 
Before Sadie can tell Eric to leave, he’s found dead near the Inkwell. When the local antique shop catches fire on the same night, it’s clear the town is harboring at least one unsavory character. Now, with her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the pub’s patrons all in the mix, Sadie must uncover the truth . . . before a killer declares last call.

Now, doesn’t that sound like a perfect fallish, cozy read? And since the story revolves around a pub, maybe instead of a cup of tea or coffee, a hot toddy might be considered. Just a thought. Here are some other ideas for reading in the fall.

Take it outside.

The crisp days are perfect for us to take our reading outdoors. I love the sound of crunching leaves as squirrels scamper throughout the yard with their nuts. Sure, they’ll a little distracting but it’s okay.

Curl up with a cozy in a comfy chair.

When the weather is too stormy or you can’t get to your reading until later in the night, a perfect spot to curl up with a book is in a comfortable chair. Because of the shift in dynamics within my household, I’ve rediscovered my beloved winged-back chair with ottoman in the family room. Before this month, I honestly can’t recall the last time I settled there to read. Now, you’ll find me there in the evenings after dinner.

Books and sweaters.

Nothing says cozy like a big, chunky sweater and a good book in my hands. When I take my reading outside to the patio, I’ll have on a warm sweater. Whether it’s a pullover or my Aran cardigan, I’ll be toasty and entertained. A perfect combo.

Reading in bed.

Once the weather starts turning cold, I find myself wanting to read more in bed before I go to sleep. Snuggled under my covers and my head resting against fluffy pillows is so appealing on cooler nights.

Books and snacks.

As fall sweeps in, I’m excited that I can leisurely sip a hot cup of tea as I read. I also love knowing that I can bake a treat, like cookies or brownies or pies. Not only will  I have a snack while I read, my home smells so amazing!

I hope you found some inspiration here today for your fall reading. I’d love to know where your favorite spot is to read.

We’ve had a whole lot of weather here in Connecticut – frigid cold, snow, rain and record warmth. We’ve gone from below zero temps right up to 50 degrees that included two days of rain and fog and ice. That old saying about New England weather, “wait an hour” has never been more true.

I rarely need an excuse to curl up with a good book but I think this month I have a few good reasons. 🙂 Making time to read for pleasure has been a top priority since the new year. Looking back at December I didn’t get much reading done between finishing the second draft of Murder Wears a Little Black Dress and doing a final read of The Hidden Corpse, both had a deadline of December 31st (note for future self – don’t ever do that again) and all the Christmas stuff that needed to be done. Yeah, I think there was a little burnout by January 1st.

In hopes of not repeating last month, I’ve carved out time in the evening to read a book rather than check my iPad for Facebook and Instagram updates or see if I’ve gotten a new email. Step away from the electronic devices, Deb. So far, it’s been going well and I’m sleeping better too! Win-win, I think. Okay, so what’s on my reading list this month? I felt like more supense rather than cozy or romance. Luckily, I had a few books on my shelves that fit the bill.

The Woman In Cabin Ten by Ruth Ware

I haven’t read her first book, In a Dark, Dark Wood, butit’s on my to-buy list. I read a sample on The Woman in Cabin Ten on my iBooks app and knew I had to buy the book and while browsing in a local bookshop there it was! The opening of the book immediately drew me in and I’m curious to see how the story unfolds as Lo Blacklock embarks on an assignment of a lifetime that turns out to be a nightmare.

Even If It Kills Her by Kate White

The Baily Weggins series is one of my favorite series and I was so excited when I learned Kate White was writing another one after writing a few stand-alone titles. I devoured the book in a matter of days and loved the twist at the end. I’ve read there’s another Bailey Weggins book is coming soon. Can’t wait!

Where All The Dead Lie by J.T. Ellison

The book description sounded so interesting for this book that I just had to buy it. A mystery set in a castle in the Scottish Highlands. Done! Had to have the book and I’m so looking forward to diving into it.

There you have it, my choices for this month. What are you reading this month?

The flip-flops are out, the sunblock is all ready to be applied and it’s time to chill with a good book. Summer and reading go hand-in-hand so it’s always a good thing to have a few books ready to be tucked into a beach bag. Since I launched my newsletter in January I shared some of my favorite reads, with a bonus share of 4 books in June in preparation of the summer reading season. Today I’m sharing those books with you. Happy Reading!