Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

A few weeks ago Susan mentioned which book signals the start of summer. For me, summer starts when I have in my hands Nancy Thayer's latest beach read. As this weekend is the unofficial start of summer in the U.S., it is fitting that Girls of Summer hits shelves on Tuesday.

The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"And maybe it was those two words - anything's possible - but another revelation was beginning to appear through the mist in her mind, racing like a distant corsair on the horizon, and just as unnerving.   This one, however, didn't strike her as quite so delusional...'Austin did lie.  But he lied because he needed an excuse to come here.  To come to this part of Vietnam.'"  (page 88)

A Q&A with Andrew Altschul, author of The Gringa

When You Wish Upon a Rogue by Anna Bennett ~ a Review

by MK French

Sophie Kendall arranges meetings for the Debutante Underground and knows that her freedom is limited. Soon she will have to marry a man who is paying off her father's debts, whom she doesn't love and doesn't trust. Henry Reese, Earl of Warshire, is unable to sleep due to memories of his military service and the responsibilities of the earldom he didn't want or expect to have. They meet when Sophie is scouting a new meeting place, and she inexplicably helps him sleep for the first time in weeks. She will be able to hold her meetings in his property if she stays with him one night a week because he's certain she's the missing ingredient to help him sleep.

Virtual Author Events

by Susan Roberts

In this day of social distancing and stay at home orders from our government, most bookstores and libraries have been closed.  The result is that there are no author events and authors are struggling to get the word out about their new books.  The outcome is that there are lots of virtual book tours, Zoom meetings, and podcasts.  In the last month, I have interacted with more and different authors than I did by going to in-person author events.  Here are a few of my favorite author events and podcasts.  Please let me know if I've missed any of the good ones so that I can check them out.

The Fiery Crown by Jeffe Kennedy ~ a Review

by MK French

Queen Euthalia married Conrí, who still hopes to destroy Emperor Anure. They're at odds in how to defeat him, even though a prophecy states that it can be done. Lia's spies gather information, stating that Anure is coming to Calanthe to claim her and the Abiding Ring she wears. All Conrí knows is vengeance and misery, and Lia knows how to endure. Between the two of them, they have to come to an understanding in order to survive.