What We’ve Been Reading – July

Summer is in full swing and between the chaos of conferences and writing, there is still time for reading. What books have you been reading this summer? Have you discovered any new-to-you authors? Or maybe a new genre you love?

Roseanna’s Reads

Audio

The Siren by Kiera Cass

For My Bookclub

Code of Valor by Lynnette Eason

We’ve been reading the Blue Justice Series in my book club and highly enjoying them, so of course, this one was next on the list. 😀 It was fun to get one of the brothers’ stories this time–and this one was action-packed with some unexpected twists! Especially loved the scuba diving parts.

What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend’s cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe—and catch those who would see her dead. (From Goodreads)

 

For the Edit

Gators, Guts, and Glory: Adventures Along the Florida Trail by Lauralee “Blissful” Bliss

I get to have extra fun since I edit for WhiteFire. 😉 And this month I was prepping the next Hiking Adventure book for publication! I’m not an avid hiker myself, but I do like the armchair variety. 😉 And I especially enjoy seeing how “Blissful” sees the hand of God in all her adventures. Definitely recommended for outdoor enthusiasts…or those who prefer to read about the great outdoors instead of visiting it themselves. 😉

Wander on the wild and humorous side of adventure with long-distance hiker Lauralee Bliss (trail name Blissful), hiking the 1,100-mile Florida Trail from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore. From alligators and cottonmouths to tenting among the palmettos and walking on water, from forests of cypress knees and lofty pine to the help of trail angels along the way, “Blissful” uncovers the hidden gems of glory in this National Scenic Trail with a unique journey unlike any other. (From Goodreads)

 

For Fun

A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

Okay, I admit it–as of the writing of this post, I’m not actually finished with this book yet. But I’m about 1/3 of the way in and absolutely loving it. I can’t believe I’ve never actually read one of Kristi’s books before–I have them here, just haven’t picked them up yet. But you can be sure that’s going to change. Love her writing style, setting, and characters!!

When Katherine “Kit” FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she’s forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend’s missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she’s telling. (From Goodreads)

 

Rachel’s Reads

For My Bookclub (& Audio)

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

The summer of ’28 was a vintage season for a growing boy. A summer of green apple trees, mowed lawns, and new sneakers. Of half-burnt firecrackers, of gathering dandelions, of Grandma’s belly-busting dinner. It was a summer of sorrows and marvels and gold-fuzzed bees. A magical, timeless summer in the life of a twelve-year-old boy named Douglas Spaulding–remembered forever by the incomparable Ray Bradbury. (From Goodreads)

 

For Fun/Review

Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson

I LOVE this story. Mystery, secrets, murder, Regency England…Yup…I’m hooked! Abigail Wilson’s debut novel, In the Shadow of Croft Towers, was fabulous! And this story is proving just as wonderful. Here is a little teaser…

She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak . . . 

After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. (From Goodreads)

 

The Girl From the Savoy by Hazel Gaynor

 

 

With the Kids

Jack Frost The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce

Judah picked this book up at the Library last week. We have only read a few chapters so far but the boys are loving it and it is really fun. A new twist on legendary creatures, Jack Frost (obviously), Mother Nature, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, etc. Battling against evil forces to keep the world safe and whole. This is book 5 in the series, but it doesn’t seem to make that much a difference. Here’s to discovering new books…

The Guardians came together to protect the childhoods of all who dream, and they are a formidable team: Nicholas St. North, E. Aster Bunnymund, Toothiana, the Sandman, Nightlight, and Katherine have thus far prevented Pitch from fulfilling his nightmarish plans.

But Pitch and his nightmare men lurk on the fringes, gathering strength, stewing in hate, and the Guardians know their guard needs one more member if they are going to vanquish Pitch for all eternity. And once they find the last in their band, they’ll travel to the secret realm of the Man in the Moon, encounter armies of Moonbots, and face the greatest battle since the Golden Age; and that is just the beginning of this grand conclusion to a series most grand. (From Goodreads)

 

Happy Summer!!!