Top 3 Summer Reads (Lizzie)

Ever since the days when we had summers off, the summer reading list has been an important part of every reader's literary life. So today, I'm sharing some of my summer reads. I've discovered that reading is essential if I want to be able to write, so I've had to become very serious about taking the time to read, even though I'm not "out of school" for the summer. Not that I mind have a valid excuse to read. :)

I'm attacking my TBR pile as well as a new release and and re-read. So here are so my summer reads from the spec fiction section of my shelves.

1) Mark of the Raven by Morgan Busse

I've been looking forward to reading this fantasy adventure, and it's next on my TBR pile. You can check out Lauricia's review of it here.

2) The Hero's Guide to Saving the Kingdom (and Storming the Castle and Being an Outlaw) by Christopher Healy

I recently finished this hilarious middle grade series telling the true story of the the Princes Charming and their adventures and romances. A fun, clever series. You can read Julie's review of it here.

3) Spark by J.M. Hackman

This book by J.M. Hackman has been on my TBR pile a while. I've read and loved her short stories, so I'm excited to read her full-length story. You can read about it from the author herself here.

Also being a lover of historical fiction, I have a few of those on my summer list as well. I just finished and loved (as I expected I would) Karen Witemeyer's More Than Words Can Say  and look forward to Tessa Afshar's Thief of Corinth. Karen Witemeyer's books have wonderful, deep characters, great examples of healthy relationships (something too often difficult to find in romance novels), a beautiful romance, and humor. I've only read Tessa Afshar's Pearl in the Sand, but if this new one is like her debut, then it will also have deep characters, important life lessons portrayed in a way that touches you without being preachy, and wonderful Biblical history brought to life.

I also would like to re-read C.J. Brightley's The Lord of Dreams, which Laurie reviewed here and Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, because one should always have a Jane Austen novel open.

What are you summer reads? Have you read any of these?

Your Turn: Favorite Places to Read in Summer (Erin)

Although the first day of summer is officially June 20, June 1st feels close enough to summer to me. One of the best things about summer is reading through my big stack of books without feeling like I should be doing something else. Finding the perfect spot to read adds to the experience. Here in Minnesota, we take summer seriously since we have so few months to enjoy the outdoors, so most of my favorite reading spots are outside. 

What about you? Where are your favorite spots to read?

1. Lying in a hammock enjoying the soft breeze and birds chirping (my personal favorite--especially as the girl in the image is reading Cinder!~)

2. Lying on the beach, alternating between reading and enjoying the sun on your face

 

 

3. Sitting on the porch sipping iced tea (note: For me, this would be an imaginary porch, as our house doesn’t have one : )

4. In your favorite corner of your couch, enjoying the air condition 

Leave a comment and let us know! 

Attributions:

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