This month, I tried something new and different – for me. I read books with real paper pages! During my spring break last month I straightened out some bookshelves and realized I had several gems written by people in my local writing groups. I decided to start reading them, and I’m so glad I did! Besides being wonderful stories, reading a regular book is easier on my eyes than reading from a screen – and I’ve been doing way too much of that in my effort to complete my current project. So here’s what I’ve read since the last free week:
Chance’s Return by Lucy Naylor Kubash. Lucy is a fellow member of my local RWA chapter. She was a guest here at 4F1H last November with The Christmas Wish, her anthology of holiday stories. I purchased this copy of Lucy’s first novel, a western, soon after it was released and I’m so glad I finally sat down to read it. This is a story about a cowboy who leaves the family ranch because he was wronged, but then returns because he has nowhere else to go. The theme of the story is healing and trust. Casey, a widow with a young son, is working in the ranch kitchen for the summer. She’s a strong heroine—my favorite kind.
All That Matters by Loralee Lillibridge. Loralee was my guest here two years ago with her cozy mystery, Bringing in the Thieves. Last month I read her book Cowboys, Castles, and Cradles, and this month I got around to reading another of her westerns. All That Matters is the story of two people from opposite sides of the tracks. As Loralee states, “Buddy Lee Walker is Boyd Walker’s son and mad as hell about it.” He’s worked hard to convince people he’s nothing like his no-good father. Faith Morgan is the daughter of the town banker. But despite their differences, they’ve had a close connection for years. So when Faith comes to Buddy for help, he can’t help but give it, no matter the cost to him—or his heart. Loved this book!
Bring Me Back by Karen Booth. This is the only ebook I read this month, and it’s not by an author from my neck of the woods. Karen is a founding member of the Seasoned Romance Facebook group, highlighting mature characters. After reading several so-called seasoned romances with 30-something characters, I was happy to read a real seasoned romance! Chris is an aging rock star. Claire is a writer, and her current assignment is to write an article about Chris for Rolling Stone magazine. But she ends up getting so much more than material for her article! I’ll let Karen tell us more about the book when she’s my guest at the end of the month. I see that there’s a sequel to this book, so I’m hoping to read that, too.
Now that the semester at the university is almost done, I’m hoping to find more time to read. Goodreads tells me that I’m four books behind, so I’m either going to have to read for longer periods of time, or find shorter books to read!
What have you read lately?
Angela Schroeder
Patricia Kiyono
Elaine Cantrell
Jeff Salter
Joselyn
Tonette Joyce
Four Foxes, One Hound 
Each of these selections looks like an interesting read.
I’m very much a PAPER reader. Maybe it stems from my 30 years in the library business… or maybe it’s because I was collecting bound books when I was in elementary school.
In any case, I’m perhaps ten times more likely to read a book-book as I am to read an E-book.
Anyhow, to answer your other question —
In recent days I’ve read a wide variety of magazines, a Bill Bryson book on Australia, a scholarly work about Shakespeare’s life, a few books on WW2 military history, and some Little Archie comic books. How’s that for variety?
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So in order to get you to read my books, I have to send you paperbacks, huh? Guess I’d better save up for postage.
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I prefer paper by far but I have to admit that with the gift books via Kindle and the price,I have many on my tablet now. I am able to get my hands on many more stories by friends and those I’d like t interview by going cheap on Kindle.I am so sorry that my finances will not allow me to shell-out with big money for all concerned.Believe me, if I could, I would.
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I used to read paperbacks by the bagful. I’d have one on my nightstand, one in the bathroom, one on the kitchen counter, one in the car, one in my desk at school… and as soon as I finished one I’d replace it. But now my bags of paperbacks seem to collect dust.
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Glad you enjoyed my book! I have to say I read equally between print books and ebooks. I love both for different reasons. The ereader is nice at night in bed because no light is needed and it’s great for taking on trips. The only downside? It has to be charged! I still love hardcovers and paperbacks, too. I just love books.😊
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I love books, too, Lucy! I suppose the appeal of the ebooks is that I’m on my computer so much that it’s just natural to keep it open when I’m reading. But lately, my eyes have been bothering me because I’ve spent so much time staring at the screen. I think it was a wakeup call to go back to my trusty paperbacks!
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Whoops–the Zeke Chronicles is me! Lucy
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Those all sound like great books. I find that I enjoy the more mature characters just as much (sometimes more) than the younger ones. It’s uplifting reading about more mature people finding love or pursuing their dreams. Sometimes I get tired of the happily-ever-after endings with 18 year old characters.
I look forward to Karen’s visit at the end of the month.
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Thanks so much for the kind words about ALL THAT MATTERS, Patty. I loved writing Buddy Lee and Faith’s story and am thrilled when someone tells me they liked the book.
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My pleasure, Loralee! I’m just sorry it took me so long to getting around to reading it.
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