Read.

Writers are readers. We eat books. Some days I think that the most challenging part of writing is having to put down a book in order to do it. (Other days I remembering editing and rejection letters and trying to find another synonym for smile. )

So today, as I've realized that it's been too long since my last blog update, I've decided to talk about books. More specifically, the best books I've read over the past few months.

I "met" Ms Moss on twitter when fellow Entranced Author, Rachel Kall introduced us. She also highly recommended I check out her book, The Selkie Spell.

She was right, it is a wonderful modern day fairytale full of magic and mystery. Moss describes the misty Irish island atmosphere so well you'll shiver and grab another blanket.

Here's the blurb from Goodreads: In this modern-day fairy tale romance, American doctor Tara Moore's life is transformed when she travels to an enchanted Irish island and discovers she has the power to break a 200 year old curse. At first, Tara laughs off the villagers' speculation that she is descended from a selkie--a magical creature who is bewitching the island. But when a ghostly woman appears to her with a warning, Tara realizes it was more than chance that brought her to this island. Desperate to escape a dark and dangerous past, Tara struggles against a passionate attraction to handsome islander, Dominic O'Sullivan. But the enchantment of the island soon overpowers her and she falls helpless under its spell. Caught between magic and reality, Tara must find a way to wield both when a dangerous stranger from her past arrives, threatening to destroy the lives of everyone on the island.

Technically I read that one more than few months ago, but I was delighted to learn it is part of a trilogy. :)

I might just like book two, The Selkie Enchantress, even better than book one.




The Goodreads blurb: In this modern-day fairy tale romance, Irish islander, Caitlin Conner, has been in love with professor of Irish folklore, Liam O'Sullivan, for as long as she can remember. But just when he's starting to look at her as more than a friend, a mysterious woman arrives on Seal Island and captures his heart. As Caitlin discovers the truth behind the woman's lies, she realizes Liam is trapped in a dangerous enchantment and the only way to break the spell is to uncover a secret Irish fairy tale that has remained hidden for hundreds of years. But when the petals of a white rose grown in winter start to fall, the legend is set in motion. And Caitlin must find a way to change the ending before the last petal falls.

I cannot wait for the conclusion,  The Selkie Sorceress. 
Go read them. (Finish this post first.)



My next series came from another awesome Entranced Author recommendation. Melinda Dozier said that I absolutely had to check out Jill Shalvis' books. Yeah, I was really late to the game on this one. She's a NY Times bestseller. At any rate, I will throw in with the masses. Check out her Lucky Harbor Series. They are charming and they have some of the cutest covers in the bizz. :)

And now for something a little different. Warm Bodies.

 If I could marry this book, I'd be wearing it's vaguely creepy but adorable ring right now. Seriously. The movie was cute and funny, the book will haunt you. (In a good way.)

Says Goodreads:
A zombie who yearns for a better life ends up falling in love—with a human—in this astonishingly original debut novel.

R is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. He doesn’t enjoy killing people; he enjoys riding escalators and listening to Frank Sinatra. He is a little different from his fellow Dead.

Not just another zombie novel, Warm Bodies is funny, scary, and deeply moving

Last but not least and (equally haunting).  If I stay.

 Goodreads says:
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

This book kept me up and reading (and sobbing) all night. It is exquisite. 

So, has anyone else read a great book lately?