Book Haul: What I've Bought Lately

You know how you set a goal to read what's on your shelf and not buy new books for a while? Yeah, I suck at that goal. #NotSorry And I don't know about you, but I love to know what other people are buying and reading. So I thought today, I'd share what I've added to my TBR pile in the last month or so. I'd love to hear what you've picked up recently, too. :)

Fiction

Book of the Month Picks

I've been a member of Book of the Month for almost 3 years now I think, and I continue to love it. It pushes me out of my reading comfort zone and introduces me to new authors. Here are my choices from the last few months. If you'd like to try it, you can get a free book with my referral link!  (Full disclosure: I earn free books if you join, but they don't ask me to endorse. I pay for my membership.)

Non-Fiction

So, yeah, I have a lot to read! Lol. But that's a good problem to have. So what have you bought or checked out from the library lately?

The Joy of a Private Reading Journal & How to Make One

If you've followed me for a while, you mostly likely know that I'm a big fan of paper planners and notebooks and such. However, I haven't talked much about one of my most favorite journals I keep--my reading journal.

Now I know what many of you are going to say--why have a journal when you have Goodreads, which is so easy? I'm a huge fan of Goodreads as well and keep track of all my books there. I love doing their annual reading challenge. However, Goodreads is very public. You have to think about your reviews, craft them to be read by others, respond to comments, etc. That's can be a fun thing to do, but it's a different kind of reviewing. It's reviewing for others' benefit, which is great, but what about for your own benefit?

When I read a book, sometimes I just want to scribble down my unedited thoughts. I don't want to worry about being eloquent. And as an author myself, I don't want to have to worry about writing a negative review and then running into the author at the next conference and feeling awkward. So, that's why in 2016, I started my own private reading journal as an accompaniment to my Goodreads account. I wasn't sure I would stick with it (I'm a chronic journal dropper) but omg, it was kind of life-changing for my reading life. I could read a book and then scribble whatever I wanted to in my pretty little journal. Sometimes it could be something as simple as "omg, this was amazing. I'm not buying everything else this author has ever written." or it could be a page long rant about how much I wanted to throw a book against a wall like a long entry I had in 2017 (this book shall remain nameless but it wasn't a romance.) 

Then, at the end of the year, it's so satisfying to flip through the pages and see all the books I've read and track the year that way. It's a great keepsake, and really, I'm already in year 3 in the same journal, so you can get a lot of mileage out of one nice journal. I also record movies I've watched, TV series I've completed, and I keep a page for DNFs (did not finish) books. You can add whatever you want.

So, I encourage you to give one a try for 2018! Below I'm going to show you mine and tell you the products I use, but if you want an easy, pre-made printable for your reading journal, just sign up for my newsletter and you'll get a free romance reading journal download emailed straight to you!

Don't want to make your own? Download my free printable reading journal!

Here's what that one looks like:

Or Create Your Own Reading Journal

My Supplies:

• Medium Dot-Grid Leuchtterm hardcover journal
• Stabilo Colored Pens
• A small ruler or thick cardstock bookmark (If you're in Book of the Month club, their  bookmarks are the perfect size for this and are what I use.)
• Stickers or washi tape if you want to get fancy

Steps:

1. Create a title page.

This isn't necessary but since I keep more than one year in a journal, I like to mark the start of a new year with a title page. I went simple with stickers this year.

2. Create a master list in the front because it's fun to get a quick at-a-glance overview.

Leave yourself a few blank pages if you're a heavy reader. (If you run out of space, you can always "thread" the list by writing on the bottom "continued on page 123) and then finish your list there. I usually leave two pages for this. And you can get as fancy as you want with lettering or design, but my drawing skills are limited so I keep it simple and clean.

3. Decide what extra pages or lists you want to keep and add those.

I like to include a list of movies I've watched, TV series I've completed, and books I DNFed (did not finish.) On the DNF list, instead of doing a full review, I just make a note of why I didn't finish it. On the movie list, I usually put a one line comment about if I liked it or not.

4. Decide on a review format that works for you.

This is where you can get creative. What do you want to record about a book? What details are important to you. You can go as simple or as elaborate as you want. Just make sure that whatever you choose, it's going to be easy for you to stick with. If you're going to do all out calligraphy on every review and draw pictures and add watercolor, you're probably not going to stick with recording every book. Make it EASY for you to use.

Here's what I capture for each book:

• Title
• Author
• Genre
• Date I completed the book
• A star rating
• What format I read the book in (ebook, print, audio, library book, etc.)
• What made me pick up the book in the first place (a review I saw, a sale, a friend told me to read it, whatever.)
• Number of pages (because I like to add up at the end of the year how many pages I've read total)
• Space for my thoughts on the book.

It's sounds like a lot, but it's not at all. It comes out looking like this and usually I can fit two reviews per page. I use the thick bookmark to make the lines and I use pretty colored pens to make it interesting.

And that's it. That's the extent of the set up. Really easy and simple. I know it's simple because I've never stuck with any journal in my life for 3 years and I have with this one. I've capture every single book I've read since I started it. I love it.

So, I'm curious, do any of you have a private reading journal? Anyone hoping to start one?

And in case you missed it, I have a new book out! If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Ones Who Got Away yet, maybe it could be your first entry in your new 2018 reading journal? ;) 

Have a great weekend!

New Year! New Series! New Book! It's RELEASE DAY!

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you had a lovely holiday and are ready to cozy up with a new read because THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY is finally here! 

I've been waiting to share this book with y'all for what seems like forever, and now it's finally out into the world and waiting for you!

This book was probably one of the hardest I've ever had to write, but it may also be the one I'm most proud of because this idea wasn't what anyone would think of as a premise for a romance novel. (A sexy second chance romance that has a backstory of a school shooting tragedy? What?) But I knew in my gut I had to tell this story and that it could be an epic romance if done right, so I pursued it anyway. I needed other believers though, and I found that in the team at Sourcebooks, my editor Cat Clyne, and my agent Sara Megibow. They GOT the idea, like really understood what I was trying to do, and were totally excited about it. And that's more than an author can hope for. So I got to write this first book in a brand new series, and I hope you'll agree with me that it was an idea worth fighting for.

Grab your copy today! It's available in ebook, print, and FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, audiobook!

Ebook & Print: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Indiebound | Books-A-Million | Google Play |

Audiobook: Recorded Books  | Audible

Also, if you read and love it, I'd love you forever if you leave a review on the retailer sites giving your honest opinion. Reviews help more than most people realize and help a series fulfill their destiny and continue on. 

And as always, thanks to every one of you who buys this book, requests it at your library, reviews it, reads it and tells a friend. *big hugs to you all*

Now here are the details in case you haven't seen them yet...

A fresh new contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestseller Roni Loren that will rock your world.

Twelve years ago, tragedy struck the senior class of Long Acre High School. Only a small number of students survived, a group the media dubbed as The Ones Who Got Away. 

Now, web designer Liv Arias, along with the rest of the survivors, have returned to the small Texas town to tell their stories for a documentary. Which means Liv seeing former star-athlete and old flame Finn Dorsey. A lot happened between them that night and Liv is ready to end their decade-long riff and move on. But when her attempt at closure turns into a steamy kiss, moving on proves much more difficult than either of them thought...

Liv's words cut off as Finn got closer. The man approaching was nothing like the boy she'd known. The bulky football muscles had streamlined into a harder, leaner package. The smooth face was now dusted with scruff, and the look in his deep green eyes held no trace of boyish innocence. A thousand things were in those eyes. A thousand things welled up in Liv.

Read the first chapter!

The December Read & Watch Challenge

As you might have noticed, I'm a little behind on posting about this month's theme for the Read & Watch Challenge. I'm in book deadline armageddon mode, so I haven't had much time to dedicate to much else between writing sessions beyond showering and feeding the people who live here. Can you believe they expect to eat multiple times a day?? ; ) 

But I do have a book pick and movie pick for the Magical theme!

Book

Garden Spells (Bantam Discovery)

By Sarah Addison Allen

So many people have recommended Sarah Addison Allen to me, but I didn't get a chance to read her until recently. This book was just flat out delightful and such a feel good read. I went out immediately and bought First Frost after finishing this one. I believe this falls into the category of magical realism because it's a contemporary setting but magic is threaded throughout it. I highly recommend it.

Movie

Y'all, I can't even with this movie. I had heard wonderful things about the book and bought it but hadn't gotten to it yet. We saw this movie with my kiddo and omg, I think I cried through half the damn movie. But it was SO SO SO good. Everyone should see this, especially kids. I loved it. It was truly a magical movie.

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Of course I do plan to work in some magical holiday movies before Christmas. It's a requirement to watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and Home Alone. I also need a big dose of Sleepless in Seattle. I haven't read any holiday books this season, though, so I'm not sure I'm going to sneak any of those in before Christmas.

I'd love to hear your favorite magical books or movies and to hear what you are reading and watching this month. Let me know in the comments. : )

November's Read & Watch Challenge Theme: COZY

It's that time again--the beginning of a new a month and a new theme for the Read and Watch challenge. You don't have to use it like a literal challenge, but hopefully it inspires you to pick up something new to read and watch this month. I, for one, can't resist a good what to read/what to watch recommendation list. 

This month's theme is COZY. Fall is finally here! Down in Texas that is a huge reason to celebrate because it means an end to the oppressive summer heat. We've finally gotten a snap of cooler weather this week and I am so here for it. I hate when we have hot Halloweens. This week I was even able to light the first fire of the season. Hurrah!

So, I'll give you some of my picks and then tell you what I hope to read and watch this month.

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What to Read:

The Men at Work trilogy by Tiffany Reisz

Tiffany Reisz's Men at Work books are such a great seasonal treat. Each one tackles a holiday, all are sexy, and they're super fun. Plus, they take place in the Pacific Northwest, so perfect cozy up weather as a setting. You can read any of them as standalones but they are a great trio to grab.

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

The concept of Hygge is kind of a trend right now so you may have seen it around, but I really enjoyed this brief little book on how to Danes do things. Hygge is ALL about the cozy. I read this in the summer and it made me YEARN for cold weather. Fireplaces and comfort food and candles and blankets and friends. Bring it on.

This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick

I'm about two-thirds of the way through this one, but I've really enjoyed it so far. I may write a full post on it when I'm done, but I think it plays well to the theme of cozy. The premise is learning to love where you live. I really like the idea of this. No matter where you live, there are always going to be things you don't like or places you might think are better. But each city has its own charms and unique features. This is a book about digging into those and embracing them. I love the idea of being happy right where you are.

Off the Ice by Julie Cross

A super adorable YA story about family, falling in love, small towns, and hockey. I read this book in its early stages because Julie and I are friends, but it stuck with me. It's the perfect winter read to cozy up with (and I know nothing about hockey, so that's not a requirement.) 

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What to Watch:

via GIPHY

When Harry Met Sally

Do I really have to explain this one? A must watch.

Wanted It GIF from Wanted GIFs

You've Got Mail

Meg Ryan gets all the best cozy fall movies. New York and fall and bookstores. What's not to love? This one is due for a rewatch by me.

College movies with Robin Williams in them...

Still breaks my heart knowing we've lost such a great talent. Prepare the box of tissues for both of these.

Dead Poet's Society

Poetry, Beauty, Romance, Love GIF from Deadpoetssociety GIFs

Good Will Hunting

It's Not Your Fault GIF from Goodwillhunting GIFs

Gilmore Girls

I overloaded on the movie suggestions this time, but if you want a cozy watch for TV, you can't go wrong with the GIlmore Girls. Small town, much coffee drinking, lots of scarves. 

Dramatic GIF from Lorelaigilmore GIFs

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What I'll Be Reading

I have a few possibilities in mind. I haven't chosen yet, but these are the candidates.

Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams

I realized the other day when I saw the preview for Murder on the Orient Express that I used to love Agatha Christie books. Well, the modern day version of that style is called the cozy mystery. So it's perfect for this month's theme. And this cozy mystery is based at a book retreat--so mystery and books! I'm in. Plus, after two many grim thrillers, it's sometimes nice to read a mystery that's fun and free of gore.

The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine by Kate Angell, Jennifer Dawson, and Sharla Lovelace

This cover totally got me. I mean, that just screams cozy fall read.

Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence

A librarian writes love letters and break up letters to books. I love this concept and plan to put this one on my bedside table to read in little bites.

My Kitchen Year by Ruth Reichl

What's cozier than a food memoir? This is the story of what happened to head editor Ruth Reichl after Gourmet magazine was suddenly shut down and she found herself without a job. She turned to food and cooking to process everything and heal. There are recipes in here but I've been told it reads more like a memoir, not a cookbook.

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What I'll Be Watching

Stranger Things

I loved the first season of Stranger Things, so I can't wait to dive into season 2. Nothing like a good, spooky TV show for the fall.

Murder on the Orient Express

I read the book in high school (because I had awesome English teachers who assigned cool books) and I'm so excited about the movie. Also, it's been so long since I've read it, I don't remember who the murderer is, lol. So I'll be surprised!

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That's my list for the month. What will you be reading and watching?