So, let’s continue a tradition, you and I. Last summer, I declared the “Summer of Awesomeness” because we had a fairly miserable, difficult winter. Because I’m part bookworm, part of what makes a summer awesome is having space, time and a quiet sunny spot to read, read, read (and gummy bears).
I’ve been reading some fun fiction this summer and I want to share it with you! I’ve got a goodie box stuffed with eight excellent new books (valued at over $100) – and if you’re the commenter who is randomly chosen, it will be coming your way at the end of next week, just in time for end of summer reading or Labour Day weekend retreats.
You have to know, I’m so excited about this, because it’s like introducing you to my friends. I can’t wait to see who wins!
To enter, just comment at the end of this post telling me what’s been awesome about your summer.
Esther by Angela Hunt – I’m a total sucker for Biblical fiction, and thought that Angela’s treatment of Queen Esther was beautifully done, while not over-romanticizing the story.
A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade – I gave away Becky Wade’s book last year as well – and this new one is a good, satisfying contemporary romance read. With a sweet setting and complex storyline, I think it’s perfect for a summer Sunday afternoon.
Death by the Book by Juliana Deering – This is a such a quirky, fun murder mystery. Characters just kept dying off, and the plot twist had me guessing till the end.
Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon – I love, love, love Irene Hannon’s writing. Seriously. This book absolutely did not disappoint, and made me want to run away to live in Oregon on a cranberry farm. You’ll get it once you read it. Trust me.
Taken by Dee Henderson – I’m a huge Dee Henderson fan, and love suspense, but find it hard to sleep at night after reading some books – but not Dee Henderson. She’s masterful at weaving together suspense, compassion, believable characters and innovative storylines. Taken looks at the life of a woman who was abducted and returns to real life. SO good.
Submerged by Dani Pettrey – I met Dani Pettrey in June, and was so glad to meet the woman behind some of the best suspense titles I’d read in recent years! Her characters are smart, strong and compelling, and this Alaska series was so well done that I could picture myself there! (Silenced – book 4 – is in the picture, but you’ll get Submerged, book 1 in the series so you can start at the beginning!)
The Potter’s Lady by Judith Miller – Judith Miller is a prolific writer, and excels at historical romance fiction. This is next on my reading list – maybe we can read along together!
In Good Company by Jen Turano – Funny & clever describes Turano’s writing well. I loved the sweet-hearted, bumbling nanny Millie, and was disturbed by her equally nasty nemesis. I hope you have fun with this – it’s kind of like a large glass of really refreshing iced tea.
So – tell me, how are you making your summer awesome?
*Due date for entry is midnight Thursday, Aug 20th (ET)
*With apologies to my international friends, I can only ship within Canada.
going on a 13 hour road trip to visit family in Manitoba with my husband and two girls!
Bring it on, Summer of Awesomeness part 2! We didn’t plan much in the way of holidays for the summer, so we’re doing lots of trips to the beach and to Gramma’s house to swim – my toddler is part fish, I think! My favourite afternoons are the ones where I sit on the deck reading a good book while she splashes in the kiddy pool 🙂
My 4 year old and I made a summer bucket list in June – 20 activities we could do together. We’re down to our last 4. We’ve gone to the zoo, flown a kite, picked berries, blown bubbles and lots more fun experiences.
Hope I win! I could use some great new books and I especially love Dee Henderdon.
This has been a great summer so far with lots of baseball. And since hubby takes holidays at the end of the summer, it feels as though summer is beginning all over again this week. Long Live Summer!
The most awesome part about my summer is having air conditioning. 😉 a few trips to see family as well’
Spending extra time with my family
Awesome summer! Took mini vacations twice a month. County fair, farmers market, family reunion, lobster fest, and more.
Extra time with my kids, sitting on the deck with a cup of tea, feeling sand in my toes at the beach, camping, Blue Mountain…all awesomeness smile emoticon
My summer has been awesome! The best part: We went on vacation and for the first time in years, my husband didn’t have to work while we were there. The kids had a blast, and my 7-year-old, who has always been a bit afraid of the water, learned to body board. He loved it.
Thanks for the chance to win!
This summer we took a family vacation to Maine where we got to visit lighthouses, cute coastal towns, and spent some time with a dear friend and her family who I haven’t seen in 7 years. That along with the family time was such a blessing!
My summers awesome because I took the time to sit back and reevaluate my visions for my life!!! Things are on track again!! AND I’ve been finding time for my favorite pastime!!! Reading!!! Reading romance and mystery sure beats pathophysiology text books! Lol! Beside! Anyone with school aged kids knows that September isike a second summer!!! The weather is usually beautiful and its a little less hectic once the Monday to Friday schedule gets settled into!!
We had the chance to visit my brother in law and his family.
This summer has been great… lots of time at the cottage and exploring some of the lakes and beaches in southern ontario. Most of all its been spending time as a family. We love sports but we also love to read and pass books from person to person. I’m glad our kids have inherited our love of reading.
This summer we were able to borrow a cottage for a long weekend, which was a huge blessing for us. What’s more, we took a friend for my daughter to play with, which meant I was able to read an entire novel in a weekend. That hasn’t happened in a decade. We have another weekend planned at the end of August and new boojs would be welcome.
I have spent much of my awesome summer at our church camp. We’ve had great speakers and many opportunities to connect with friends – old and new. The rest of the summer will be spent at kids camp and youth camp. And I snuck in some beach time by myself today – so good!
How am I making my summer awesome? Not by taking a vacation… but by working! I got a job! (I even get to see lots of books pass through my hands at work!)
i am making dates with as many friends and family members I can and documenting them in hopes that others will make time for each other too. Time goes by so fast and I want to make the most of my time.
Ive been spending most of it at my trailer filling up on amazing moments to last a lifetime with my family and friends! Filling up my bucket so i can fill my students in the fall! Love the message you posted about your questions you ask before you take on things! Brilliant!Hugs Janet!
This Summer has been pretty relaxing so far, :):) more time off from work then usual, cottage time, swimming, gardening, spending quality time with friends and family!!!! Loving life:)
Love reading and especially Christian fiction! These would be a great start to fall reading!
It has been an great summer so far with lots more fun planned before it’s over. There has been some challenges too as I’ve walked with a family member and a close friend who are battling cancer but it’s been amazing to see how God has answered our prayers and I’m always amazed at how He takes cares of the little things! I’ve spent a lot of the summer on my bicycle, so far riding close to 1500km! My husband and I and some friends took a cycling holiday where we cycled 400km in and around Napanee & Prince Edward County – now that was AWESOME! My summer will be capped off with a September trip to South Africa to visit my sister who is a missionary there! I could really put those books to good use on the 18 hour flights there and back….do you think I could get through them all iin 36 hours???
Our summer has been the summer of awesomeness. We took a family road trip to the East Coast of Canada. 5 provinces in 16 days.