When I was a little girl, I wanted a kitten. I mean I really, really wanted one. Alas, my older brother suffered from severe allergies which meant no furry animals in the house. I begged. I pleaded. I threatened to run away with my stuffed animals. (A threat thwarted by my mother making French toast…
Barb’s Book Reviews for July 1, 2022
Happy Independence Day everyone. Thanks to audio books and a long drive to Vermont, I managed to squeeze in a number of books in June. The Wedding Veil by Kristi Woodson Harvey: Harvey’s first historical fiction is more a women’s fiction-historical hybrid. In the present-day storyline, we have Julia Baxter, a young bride-to-be and…
Ten Tips for New Authors From an Old-Timer
Recently, I was asked if I had any advice for an aspiring author. I had a lot of thoughts, but in the spirit of brevity, I’ve narrowed my tips to ten. My writing friends will note that much of what I’ve written I should heed myself. As with all advice, take what you want and…
The Top Ten Books on my TBR Pile
Happy Thursday! I’m posting this week’s blog a day early because I’m hitting the waters of Lake Champlain to do some sailing. Enjoy! Can you believe the year is half over? I’ve been staring at my TBR pile wondering how I’m going to finish all these books (plus the ones I’ve yet to buy) before…
Barb’s Book Reviews
Hey Gang! It’s time for Barb’s Book Reviews. This month, I’ve got three, count ’em three, really good summer reads for you. BLOOMSBURY GIRLS by Natalie Jenner: An utterly charming book by the author of The Jane Austen Society, BLOOMSBURY GIRLS is a celebration of books and the power of friendship Set in a post-war…
Retro Cocktail of the Month: Planter’s Punch
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer, so why not celebrate in Sixties style with Planter’s Punch. Before You Celebrate, Pause to Honor Those Who Fell I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to remember what Memorial Day is truly about, and that is to honor those men and women…
Sneak Peek: The In Crowd
After last week’s serious post, I thought I’d treat you to a sneak peek at my work in progress. Enjoy the first few pages of The In Crowd.* Since I’m still in the process of manifesting new representation, feel free to pass it on to your favorite literary agent. Just kidding. (Sort…
Let’s Talk About Mental Health (A Mental Health Awareness Month Post)
I’m struggling today. Whereas most people come back from a retreat or conference inspired, I come back with my head full of self-doubt and discouragement. I’m not as business savvy as other authors, I’m not as connected, I’m not as successful, I’m not as productive, I’m not as organized, I’ll never be as good as,…
Barb’s Book Reviews – April Reads
April Showers brought April reading as I went on a bit of a tear last month. I found myself reading quite an eclectic collection of historical and contemporary fiction and one fascinating non-fiction tale that will strike a chord for anyone raised in the 70s or 80s. The Exiles by Christine Baker Kline: Kline was…