BIg Magic

This is an insider's look into how Ms. Gilbert became a published author. 

Besides being part memoir, she also points out how to live a fulfilling and potentially lucrative creative life. She invites us to be curious, unflinching in our pursuits, and embrace the unique spark in each of us. 

I think the book is most helpful for those who work/live in a creative space, and many of the ideas she brings up are applicable to anyone. 

The audiobook is read by the author, which I appreciated. 

This book was recommended by a fellow creative, and I pass that recommendation on to you. 

What books have you read that spark your creativity? 

AMAZON

The path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of.

People of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.

Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

Women's Beach Club

Ms. Johnson delivers another great romance in this series. 

I'm a fan of the fake relationship trope, and the reasons for this one are compelling. 

Both characters have commitment issues along with other emotional baggage to work through as they simultaneously navigate their chemistry. 

Do you like the fake relationshipt trope? Would you agree to be in a fake relationship? Why or why not?

AMAZON

He's a billionaire in hiding. She's a yoga instructor with an ex-boyfriend problem. When they attend a gala together and Tawny's ex is there, the next thing she knows, she's engaged to the handsome Tyler - who the children's wing is named after.

Tawny Loveless loves her beach yoga, her Women's Beach Club, and fruity drinks. Oh, and dogs. So it's no wonder when a golden retriever brings her face-to-face with a man she's seen plenty of times on the beach. He's hot, with a dazzling smile - but seemingly without a job.

Tyler Rigby doesn't need to work. As the reknowned "Poker King," the man has more money than he knows what to do with. So he donates here and there around the island and then he has to attend the galas honoring him.

Tawny's caught his eye, and he asks her to one such party. No strings attached, he says. That is until her ex-boyfriend is there and she's on the verge of a panic attack.

Then there are way more than strings attached - there are diamond rings involved in their fake engagement.

But his feelings are real, and once he tells her who he is, maybe - just maybe - they can have a shot at a true island romance.

Can Tyler and Tawny take their fake relationship from the headlines and into their private lives...where it could become happily-ever-after?

Straw & Diamonds

I always know I'm getting a satisfying read when I open one of Ms. Johnson's books. 

A bit of a Beauty and the Beast retelling but in all the best ways. Sasha is sassy, and Jasper is a little lost. It was fun to watch them navigate their inner turmoil and schedules to come together, especially with the bets running in the background by Sasha's friends. 

Would you ask out a beast?

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She's barely making ends meet with her beach side drink stand because her ex stole from her and fled the island. So Sasha Redding does what she has to in order to support herself—she takes a job cleaning a house in an exclusive gated community. She just didn't know she'd been hired by a billionaire beast...

Her plan to get out of debt doesn't afford her many hours of sleep, and the handsome man who owns the house she cleans doesn't help that when he tells her not to go upstairs, questions her for showering at his place (hers has no hot water) and then...asks her out.

Jasper Rosequist works in the diamond business and keeps odd hours due to his dealings in Europe, and he doesn't want anyone in his office upstairs. It's not a lair. (It's not.) Not only that, but with his schedule, maintaining a relationship with Sasha is difficult.

He wants to keep chipping away at her, because she's got a big wall around her heart, but he can see how good it is. He doesn't mean to come off as the beastly I-get-what-I-want type...but he does want her.

Can Sasha open her heart to the possibility of a second chance at love? Or will she get burned again?

Spectacular Things

Other than titling the book after the recurring song, that is my only critique of the story. 

This is my first read by Ms. Dorey-Stein, and she's an excellent storyteller. 

We follow the Low/Lowe (I listened to the audiobook so I'm unclear of the spelling) women through their lives one joyous and heartbreaking moment at a time. There is love, sacrifice, and choices, and depending on how each element is prioritized by each character determines the consequences for the others. 

Props to the audiobook narrator!

Warning: mature themes and swearing. 

What women-centric books would you recommend?

AMAZON

What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?

Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.

As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?

A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.

Whispers of Forever

I'm a longtime fan of Ms. Weaver. 

She's a solid writer, adept at romance, and her stories are sure to tug at your heartstrings. 

Enter the magical world of Ross Hughes and watch the sparks fly between Sam and Ethan. I kind of felt bad for her brother, Rafe, but he had a side love interest so not too bad for him when he had to third wheel. 

I did have a challenging time keepign all the family relationships straight. To that end, I'd recommend reading the series in order, even though they can be read as stand alones. 

Would you like to see the Ross Hughes book be written by Ms Weaver?

AMAZON

Love's First Meeting: When Virtual Sparks Ignite

Samantha Diderik’s digital world is about to collide with reality. Ethan Walters, her brother's college roommate and best friend, has been more than just an online presence; for the last year, he's a whispered secret in her heart. From a simple online acquaintance, her crush has grown into a yearning for something far beyond pixels.

Finally, she will meet him in person on a road trip with her brother. The journey will test if their powerful friendship can blossom into love. But the lingering threat of a stalker casts a shadow on it all.

Ethan, whose life has been overshadowed by the brilliance of a remarkable stepbrother, has always fought insecurity. Determined to pursue a career as a surgeon—just like his brother—Ethan is confronted with an agonizing choice: protect his aspirations or surrender to the intoxicating allure of a woman who has cracked the walls around his heart. He can’t have both.

Prepare to embark on a journey, where courage meets vulnerability, and love flourishes in the face of adversity. A testament to the power of the human heart and the whispers of a love worth fighting for.

Accomplice to the Villain

I've been so excited to read this next installment in the Villain's series because I thought it was a trilogy. 

SPOILER! It's not. 

There's more to come. 

Which I'm torn about. I defnintely want to see more of this world, and each character get ther HEA or at least a resolution. But I also want that post tied up with ribbons glow that comes from finishing an series that hit all the story points in all the right ways. 

Sigh. 

Be prepared to simultaneously listen at high speed or slow dowo to savor each deliciously crafted word. 

The audiobook narrator gets all the gold stars!!!

I guess I'll wait another year for the next one. 

#worththewait

Warning: there are mature themes and swearing. 

What magical/fairy tale series have you loved to read?

AMAZON

REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to the Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to "Evie" or "Stop that."

Evie Sage didn't mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom's most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised "light paperwork and occasional beheadings," and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire―or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again...neither was falling for The Villain.

A magical office comedy with grumpy bosses, snarky frogs, and definitely-not-feelings.

Contains mature themes.

Taming His Heart

 Ms Hardy chose the big city girl meets cowboy trope for this book. 

And it works very well. You'll find yourself easily rooting for Laura and Justin to overcome their obstacles to carve a life together. 

Great best friends to help and side characters to keep life interesting beyond the mountain cougar. 

What cowboy books do you recommend I read?

AMAZON

She wanted adventure. What she didn’t expect to find was love.

Laura is finally done with college and could really use a break. What she didn't expect was to find herself spending a summer on a ranch in the middle of rural Idaho, but it's exactly what she needs.

Justin has worked at Cottonwood Ranch for years, and loves his job. And up until he meets Laura at Cottonwood Manor, he's perfectly happy putting every waking moment into the ranch.

The spark between them is undeniable, but the fact that Laura is only there for a few months hangs over their heads. Will she convince Justin that there is more to life than work, or will she go back to the world she's willing to leave behind?