Well, I've been away from the blog for awhile. My apologies. I've been thinking a great deal about my reading habits and choices. I wonder about yours. Let me share . . .
As President of the Red River Romance Writers group in Wichita Falls, TX I recently received a book to read and share from Kimberly Chocolaad the Senior Marketing Associate for Harper Collins Publishers. The fantastic and memorable book she sent is "If Wishes Were Horses" by Robert Barclay. I loved, loved, loved this book of love, hope, second chances, and forgiveness. Both the hero and heroine have been living with unimaginable tragedy for five years. Amazing characters, amazing setting, and amazing story. Check it out at www.harpercollins.com/authors/36642/Robert_Barclay/index.aspx You will be glad you did. I will be posting a full review at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Good Reads soon.
For many years one of my very favorite books has been and will continue to be "The Memories We Keep" by Walter Zacharius. This World War II novel blends past and present in a seamless way. It is based on truth, a truth Mr. Zacharius experienced as a young soldier during the war. His book is open and honest about the lives people were forced to live in order to survive. It is mostly about a love that transcends time, war, tragedy, and other circumstances. Mr. Zacharius is now deceased but he will live on in the world of writers as a long time publisher at Kensington. Learn more at www.walterzacharius.com
I imagine everyone has heard of Sara Gruen by now. I discovered her when her debut novel "Riding Lessons" was released. I'm a sucker for anything with an equestrian theme. It was her third novel "Water for Elephants" that awakened the world. Set in a traveling circus in the early 1930's this novel is one of hardship, love, and self-renewal. You may know there is a movie about this book opening tomorrow. Read more about Sara Gruen at www.saragruen.com
And, now for some of my favorite authors that I know personally. The names I'm sharing are all excellent authors. And, away we go . . .
Maria Rachel Hooley is amazing and prolific. She is primarily self-published. You can find all of her titles at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. She is successful. Her writing covers several genres but all have the theme of redemptiom. My favorites among her many titles include "When Angels Cry," "The River," "October Breezes," and The Sojourner Series. Learn more about the beautiful Maria at www.mariarachelhooley.com
My dear friend, Pamela S. Thibodeaux has been tagged as "Inspirational with an Edge." That is true. Her characters are all Christians but human as well. With human desires, emotions, trials, and joys. She is a master at short stories. I really enjoy her Tempered Series beginning with "Tempered Hearts." Read "The Visionary" and "The Inheritance." Reach Pam at www.pamelasthibodeaux.com Find her at White Rose Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
Karen Kelley will have you laughing and falling in love with her characters. She writes sexy romance. Her covers are downright sensual. "Jaguar Prince" is one of my favorites. Visit her at www.authorkarenkelley.com
Paula Bruno has become a close friend since I first met her in May 2010 at the OWFI Conference. I bought her debut novel "Come Hell or High Water" simply because of the cover. Just WOW! Her series The Kirkland Family Saga includes "Come Hell or High Water," "The Hell About Stallions," and number three is on its way. I can't wait. If you like ranches, the 50's, and dilemmas you'll love Bruno's writing. Find her at pewwriter@aol.com and at Amazon.
And, of course, one of my absolute favorites--Sharon Sala. Sharon is an Oklahoma author. A very successful writer. She has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for a long time. Her romantic suspense novels will introduce you to the kind of characters we as readers can all relate to and fall in love with. The latest novel "Blood Stains" is the first in a trilogy. She has almost 90 titles, some written as Dinah McCall. And, drum roll please! Sharon Sala will be receiving the greatest honor romance authors can receive at the annual Romance Writers Associate Conference in New York City, the Nora Robers Lifetime Achievement Award.
I hope I have given you some ideas for new reads or brought back memories of books you've read. Happy reading and writing.
