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?

AMAZON

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?