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Friday, July 11, 2014

Summer Reading Suggestions by Jacqueline Seewald

I opened several of my magazines (yes, we actually do still subscribe to print publications at our house!) and low and behold there were all these wonderful articles on the best books for summer reading. With people going on vacation, sitting at beaches, pools and on cruise ships, many individuals enjoy relaxing with a good book. And there certainly are a lot of them being published.

Most of the suggestions I see are for books written by famous people or authors. Books from the “big” publishers dominate these suggested summer reading lists—no surprise there! But what about those of us who are published by small independents? Should our books be ignored by the reading public? Emphatically no!

It is my intention to give other writers an opportunity to mention their own books on this blog. I would also like readers to recommend reading what you’ve enjoyed. Word of mouth matters.

I’ll start by recommending my own recent books which have been well-reviewed:

The fourth Kim Reynolds mystery was published by Perfect Crime Books April 2014. It is available both in print and e-book editions. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J6PCKVW
(The three previous novels in this series received excellent reviews. The Harlequin Worldwide Press paperback editions which followed the hardcover and large print editions are now all sold out.)

My Regency novel TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS received an excellent blurb endorsement from Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick which appears on the cover of that novel, published both as a hardcover from Five Star/Gale and in large print from Thorndike Press. Mary Balogh also read this novel and offered helpful editorial suggestions prior to publication. SteameReads published this novel in a newly edited e-book format as well. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFHMXWW

I won SteameReads “Some Like It Hot” romance novel writing contest with my sensual Georgian romance THE CHEVALIER. That novel was also published and is available in all e-book formats. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GY95RTU/


My “clean read” YA novel THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER was also recently published as an e-book in all formats by Astraea Press. This YA novel is a good reading experience for mothers and daughters to share. It’s not just for teens. http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Danna-Webster-Jacqueline-Seewald-ebook/dp/B00JZYXW7K/



Finally, I will mention my book of short stories, BEYOND THE BO TREE, published as an e-book by Authentic Press. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DTV0750
I’ve collected together some of my best diverse stories for reader enjoyment.


Okay, now here’s your opportunity to share the books you think will make for good summer reading. Don’t be shy! Comments/suggestions are welcome here.


30 comments:

Patricia Gligor's Writers Forum said...

Jacqueline,
What a great idea for a post! Thanks for the opportunity to "self-promote."
As you know, I write the Malone Mystery series which includes "Mixed Messages," "Unfinished Business," and "Desperate Deeds." Each book may be read as a standalone.
Happy Reading!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Pat,

Since I've read the books in this series and enjoyed them very much, I can also recommend them to readers.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

P.J. MacLayne said...

Thanks for a place to promote our books, Jacqueline. My newest book, "The Marquesa's Necklace," was release July 1, and would make a great summer read! It's available at Amazon and other ebook retailers. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LF11HB4

Karen McCullough said...

Hi Jacqueline and thanks for opening this up. I have several books that have been well reviewed that I think would make great summer reads. My romantic suspense novel, "A Question of Fire" would be a great beach read. Lots of five star reviews Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002W5RBZS
I'd also recommend for a clean read, my shorter romantic suspense novel "Programmed for Danger". Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091TRBYY

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, P.J.,

Welcome to Author Expressions! Delighted to know about your new release. I think other readers and writers will be as well. Best of luck!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Karen,

I know you write quality romantic suspense, a favorite of mine. Thanks for letting us know about your two new novels. Perfect reads for summer!

Mary F. Schoenecker Writes said...

Good post Jacquie. Ill leave the promoting of my books for another time, since my latest is still in the submissions mill. I do have a suggestion for a book I've just finished reading- THE INVENTION OF WINGS,by Sue Monk Kidd. It is beautifully written and I would give it a 4 1/2 star rating. Look for my review of it in on my FB page: Mary F Schoenecker Writes. It should post later today,7/10.

Susan Oleksiw said...

I just finished ODD TYPE WRITERS by Celia Blue Johnson, a collection of short pieces on various writers. and their quirks. I love that sort of thing. I'm about to start a short story collection, ZIG ZAG, by Madison Smartt Bell. A friend gave me a copy of THE CORPSE READER by Antonio Garrido, which I started. I have no idea what to expect from this 470 pager. But it's summer and I have time to find out.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Mary,

I love the title of the novel and have heard of it. I look forward to reading your review.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Susan,

You've mentioned some very intriguing books. I hope you enjoy reading them. Thanks for the suggestions.

Marilyn Levinson said...

Hi Jacqueline,
Two of my mysteries, A MURDERER AMONG US and MURDER a la CHRISTIE are on Book Town's 2014 Summer Mystery Reading List. I think my ghost mystery, GIVING UP THE GHOST, would be fun summer reading, too, because it takes place in the dead of winter.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Marilyn,

I agree. These are great novels for summer reading. Love mysteries and ghost stories!

CA Verstraete said...

Hi Jacqueline, there are so many good books out there beyond the "famous" and well-known... I do admit I am reading Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters books and love them! New to me. And I'll suggest my different part-zombie girl's story, GIRL Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie (and no brains on the menu!)

D'Ann said...

Great post! These all look great!
I have a brand new novella:

Brand New Release
Lily’s Summer Cowboy

Storm Goddess Reviews said:
“It's a quick, beautiful read that held my attention and stole my heart.”

http://www.amazon.com/Lilys-Summer-Cowboy-DAnn-Lindun-ebook/dp/B00L6J9S20/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1404052260&sr=1-1&keywords=lily%27s+summer+cowboy

Peter DiChellis said...

Great idea! I posted some recent reads to a Reading List page on my site. I’ve got five posted now, a mix of private eye, investigative reporter, and criminal protag mysteries. Most are not from bestseller lists, all were available at my public library, and I enjoyed each one:

The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley (Private eye, Pub. 1978)

The Good Cop by Brad Parks (Reporter, 2014 Left Coast Crime award winner for best humorous mystery novel.)

A Good Death by Christopher R. Cox (Private eye, 2014 PWA Shamus Award nominee, Best First PI Novel)

Criminal Karma by Steven M. Thomas (Criminal)

Southside by Michael Krikorian (Reporter)

Best wishes,
Peter DiChellis

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Chris,

Zombies are mighty popular with teens these days. Congrats!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

D'Ann,

Congrats on the excellent review of your new Western romance!

Jan Christensen said...

This is a terrific idea, Jacqueline, and thank you for letting us promote our books on your site. As you know, I have a couple of series going, one with a female PI, and the other with a professional organizer. Plus I have other novels and even a short story series, all available on Amazon. Best way to find them is on my author page: http://www.amazon.com/Jan-Christensen/e/B004XTXSYO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Again, thanks! I'm enjoying reading the other picks, too.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Peter,

Thanks for joining us and providing five fine mystery novels that readers can enjoy.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Glad you could stop by, Jan.
Author Pages on Amazon are a great way to find works by various authors.

Sharon Ervin said...

My NIGHTINGALE is a "clean read," historical romance, great for a quick summertime escape and available in print and as an ebook from Crimson Romance and Amazon. Thanks, Jacqueline, for this opportunity. You are always into trying new things. You inspire.

Nancy Means Wright said...

My most recent is Queens Never Make Bargains, a multi-generational novel set between 1912 and the end of WW2--had a great review from Kirkus Reviews, but otherwise I've had no time to market, alas. I've just finished reading a beautiful novel by Anthony Doerr: All the Light We Cannot See. Best book I've read in years!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Nancy,

First, congrats on your novel receiving a great review from Kirkus! That equals good library sales. Thanks for the book suggestions as well. I read and enjoyed Queens Never Make Bargains and recommend it to readers.

Tammi Booth said...

Hi Jacqueline,
Your books sound amazing. Thanks for allowing the opportunity to share our own books. My young adult novella was released early this week. It's a short read, good for a summer day.

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Vica-T-C-Booth-ebook/dp/B00LMD7N1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404868108&sr=8-1&keywords=Beyond+Vica

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Congrats, Tami, on the publication of your YA novella. Thanks for letting us know about it.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Sharon,

As someone who has read and reviewed MY NIGHTINGALE it gives me pleasure to recommend your novel to readers.

Maggie Toussaint said...

Jacquie, I have mysteries and romances for just about every taste at www.maggietoussaint.com. I'm currently reading Nancy J Cohen's Warrior Lord and loving it. I've also started Terry Ambrose's Con Game. Maggie

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Maggie,

I'm a fan of your novels and can recommend them heartily. I look forward to reading Nancy and Terry's books in the future. Thanks for dropping by.

dkchristi said...

I'm a little late on the summer promo - but happy to mention the ghost orchid of Corkscrew Swamp in Naples Florida had 15 blooms in July and should bloom again in August & September - a rare and endangered species of orchid that has broken all records and inspired - here it comes - my novel, Ghost Orchid, a little mystery, a little mysticism, a little love, hate and redemption - all in a beautiful setting. www.dkchristi.com

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