Books, with a Side of Ice Cream
Plus a chance to score HERA by Jennifer Saint
Ok, so maybe it’s not a side of ice cream, but an appetizer, because I really need to point out that this upcoming Sunday is #NationalIceCreamDay! Those of you who know me know that I am generally obsessed with ice cream and, even more so, gelato. And, of course, I had to include some ice cream recipes when I was developing downloadable cookbooks to go with my past novels, Feast of Sorrow and The Chef’s Secret. I partnered with Hannah Spiegelman, who creates ice cream based on flavors from various historical periods! Her website A Sweet History catalogs all her delicious creations. You can check out two of her recipes here:
They are YUMMY, and I definitely recommend you give them a try!
On to the Books!
I’m a huge reader; if I had my way I’d easily down a book a day. Fortunately, this has been an excellent year for books to satisfy that book love of mine. Let’s start with some of the new books I’ve loved so far this year, starting with:
What I’ve Read
A Quantum Love Story - Mike Chen
I was initially attracted to this novel as Mike and I have the same editor at MIRA Books, but the description drew me in: the story of two lovers stuck in a time loop. It’s a story fueled by friendship, grief, hope, and the power of human connection. And for me, it was a fantastic start to the year.
The Bullet Swallower - Elizabeth Gonzalez James
The Bullet Swallower is one of those books that I pick up, and am truly blown away by the prose. James has a rare command of the language, with every sentence and every paragraph a masterful stroke in a wild, imaginative plot. I'm not into Westerns, but this book yanked me deep into its pages.
Dance of Desire - Delphine Ross
I was so thrilled to dive into the second book in Delphine Ross's Muses of Scandal series. Ross’s utterly enchanting friends-to-lovers retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in 1873 Paris, is a heartfelt journey of redemption and rediscovered love.
Last Days in Plaka - Henriette Lazaridis
This novel, written by one of my longstanding writing group partners, is a love letter to Athens and Greece. It’s a story of an unlikely friendship between two women of vastly different ages. It’s a beautiful, complex story of friendship, forgiveness, and lies.
The Paris Novel - Ruth Reichl
As a longtime fan of Ruth Reichl's exquisite food writing, I was thrilled to dive into The Paris Novel. Reichl's vivid descriptions of Parisian brasseries, delectable dishes, and charming characters brought the city to life in a way that only she could.
Bunyan and Henry, Or The Beautiful Destiny - Mark Cecil
Mark will be in conversation with me for my launch of In The Garden of Monsters. Why? Because he, too, wrote a fantastic retelling of myths familiar to so many, in this case, Paul Bunyan and John Henry. A wild, fun adventure tale.
The Lion Women of Tehran - Marjan Kamali
This masterful story, set against Tehran's vibrant and tumultuous backdrop over three transformative decades, beautifully explores the depth of friendship, the pain of betrayal, and the power of redemption.
The Whisper Sister (Sep 3) - Jennifer S. Brown
I blurbed this book, so had the chance to read it early. Prohibition New York, famous mobsters and a heroine that has more pluck in her little finger than most of us could ever hope for.
What I’m Looking Forward To
The Assassin of Venice - Alyssa Palombo
I’ve loved all of Alyssa’s books. She was my guest last week, and I’m so looking forward to reading her latest Renaissance historical novel.
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport - Paulette Kennedy
This novel came out earlier this year, and with a premise like: “the subtle horrors of 1950s America in a gripping novel about a woman under pressure―from the living and the dead,” of course, I have to read it.
Jackie - Dawn Tripp
I went to a recent event that Dawn did, and learned so much about Jackie Kennedy. I already knew she was a fascinating figure, but wow. This is going to be an incredible read.
The Booklover’s Library (Sep. 10) - Madeleine Martin
I’m a sucker for books about bookstores and this one about how a bookstore transforms a wartime British community is right up my alley.
Catch You Later (Oct. 22) - Jessica Strawser
I have loved Strawser’s other suspense novels, and this one sounds like it might be her best yet.
The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone (Oct. 29)- Randy Susan Meyers
I’ll read anything that Randy writes, and this story of a not-so-idyllic commune in 1964, woven with the threads of political upheaval, is no exception to that rule.
The City and Its Uncertain Walls (Nov. 19) - Haruki Marukami
Likewise, I’ll read anything Marukami writes. I can’t wait for this one about dreams, books, and love.
Christmas with the Queen (Nov. 19) - Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor
These two author powerhouses have done it again, collaborating on another holiday novel, and I’m here for it. Also, I highly recommend Webb’s Queens of London, which came out earlier this year.
And if you are in the UK, look for Rachel Blackmore’s story about Costanza, the muse to Bernini! It’s out on August 1st. Can’t wait till it’s available here.
And finally, another highly anticipated book I can’t wait to read is Hera (Aug. 13 in U.S.), by Jennifer Saint! Give me all the myths, please! I adored Ariadne, Elektra and Atalanta, and I’m SO excited to see what she’s done with the oft-maligned queen of the gods. The good news is you have a chance to win your own copy! Read on for details.
WIN A COPY OF HERA
From the #1 internationally bestselling author of Ariadne, Elektra and Atalanta, a propulsive, empowering retelling of Hera, reclaiming her as a feminist hero.
When the immortal goddess Hera and her brother Zeus overthrow their tyrannical father, she dreams of ruling at his side. But as they establish their reign on Mount Olympus, Hera begins to see that Zeus is just as ruthless and cruel as the father they betrayed. While Zeus ascends, Hera is relegated to the role of wife and mother, a role she never wanted. She was always born to rule, but must she lose herself in perpetuating this cycle of violence and cruelty? Or can she find a way to forge a better world? In this enthralling retelling, Greek mythology’s most famous and maligned goddess finally tells her own story, as power, passion, and divine strength collide in the heart of Olympus.
Do you want to win this book?
This giveaway closed at midnight ET on 07/28/24. Winners will be notified within 48 hours of the giveaway closing and announced in my next newsletter/post.
Important to Note: You must be 18+ and a United States resident (pesky international laws make it tricky to do giveaways worldwide). If you are someone who loves to read the rules, you can find the obligatory info here.
LOOK! A NEW GOODREADS GIVEAWAY!
My publisher, MIRA Books, is running another Goodreads giveaway, this time for the entire month of July! You can get in on the action to win a print copy here.
WHAT’S BRINGING ME JOY
Um, ice cream and books give me all the joy I need!
If you love food and love Italy, and haven’t read THE CHEF’S SECRET or FEAST OF SORROW, click the links to learn where to buy your copy! 🍒🍗🍷 And now you can pre-order IN THE GARDEN OF MONSTERS!
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Great list! I am def going to check a few out - esp the Paris ones bc I’m heading to France (Bordeaux) next month and always like to get in the mindset ☺️ So many books, not enough days! I have hundreds on my ever-growing reading list 📚