Cheer-Inducing Activities by Eleri Grace

When I'm searching for happiness or an uplift in my mood, I often turn to my hobbies. I've got plenty, but I'll spotlight just a few of the activities that bring me joy.

Like most of you I'm sure, turning to reading generally is one of my go-to reflexes. Turning to a tried-and-true favorite novel, series or author is often the key for me -- I'm always a bit nervous about starting something new if what I'm looking for is a sure-fire lift. Some of my personal favorites that I can always return to with joy, in no particular order, are: the Harry Potter series, the Outlander series, WW2 romances by Noel Barber that started me on my author journey, stand-alone historical novels like "And Ladies of the Club" or "Lonesome Dove," romantasy series like my recent obsession with Rebecca Yarros and her Empyrean series, and childhood favorites like Laura Ingalls Wilder, S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" or "Where the Red Fern Grows." 

I'm also a lifelong genealogist, and while many people might not understand how someone could derive joy from spending all day in front of a computer or microfilm reader trying to decipher 19th century German handwriting, reading deed books in dusty old ledgers in a county courthouse, or traipsing around country cemeteries -- there's nothing like putting another piece of my genealogical puzzle together! Lately, I've been a little obsessed with WikiTree, which allows me to preserve genealogical facts/relationships along with photos and scanned copies of my sources in an online format that even my kids might one day appreciate (they won't love the stacks of genealogical binders with old-fashioned paper, that's for sure). 

Scrapbooking is another hobby where I can lose track of time and put my worries aside as I unleash my creativity and my desire to preserve and pass on precious memories. Work has kept me busier than before the last few years, so I'm fairly behind with my kids' childhood scrapbooks, but I can always pick up where I left off. Sometimes even just taking the time to put together a page or two can be a relaxing diversion and a boost to those creative juices. I've accumulated (read: hoarded) tons of heritage scrapbooking supplies over the years - holding out for that point in time when my genealogy research would be fairly complete or solid. I've begun to realize that while my research may be ongoing, now is the time to use those supplies and preserve those memories. 

I was never much of a TV person until the advent of Netflix and other streaming services -- allowing me to binge a treasured old favorite series or try something new. Currently, I'm making my way through "The Gilmore Girls" again!

I hope you are all soon enjoying spring weather and tapping into the activities, people, relationships, and other things that bring joy and meaning to your life. 

You can learn more about me and my writing on my website, and you can find my Red Cross Girl novels on Amazon. 

My Favorite Reads of 2024 by Lynn Lovegreen

 I love to read, as most writers do. I have eclectic tastes in reading; I read mostly fiction, but some nonfiction too. My favorite genres are YA (young adult) romance, contemporary, and historical fiction. I throw in some middle grade, adult romance, mystery, and history to mix it up a bit. Here are my favorite reads of this year—some were published this year, but others have been around a while. Look through and see if there’s a book that strikes your fancy! I’ve included author website links so you can check them out.

 

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (Adult fiction)

https://linktr.ee/snabooks?fbclid=IwY2xjawG8ejhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVyWwJ7QQMoUR__AqI9NK_DN4irOggrpL_bjrJg-NKxWnH1yObGerYDVfA_aem_4xw5JPG64LRUhtM5hHV04w

Anxious teen Aleisha works at the local library when she comes across a list of books that broaden her horizons. Lonely widower Mukesh comes in to see what his late wife saw in books. When Aleisha shares the list, that leads to a transformation of their lives, and the community's. (content warning: mental illness and suicide)

 

The Next Great Jane by K.L Going (Middle Grade fiction)

https://klgoing.com

Jane is a precocious sixth grader determined to become a writer. When a famous author visits her small Maine town, and a hurricane, an obstinate boy, and Jane's Hollywood mother combine, not even Jane can guess the ending. 

 

Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson (Middle Grade Fiction)

https://www.nasugraqhopson.com

An Iñupiaq (Alaska Native) boy collects obsidian when he sees a magic eagle who tells him he must go with him or die like his older brothers. He learns about drumming, singing, and dancing from the Eagle Mother, then teaches other people at a great feast, bringing a sense of community to their culture. Hopson tells the origin story of the Messenger Feast of her Iñupiaq people brilliantly, with heartfelt words and lovely illustrations. This middle grade book won a Newbery Medal nomination for good reason, and will enchant readers of all ages.

 

Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee (YA Historical Mystery)

https://www.staceyhlee.com

Lulu Wong was Gemma and May Chow’s friend and neighbor before she became a movie star. When the sisters find her body in Chinatown, the police are slow to act, and business leaders use the killing as an excuse to tear down Chinatown to make way for a train station. Gemma and May must find the killer before it’s too late for their neighborhood, and before the killer catches on to their investigation. Historical fiction queen Stacey Lee brings 1930s Los Angeles to life in this great page turner.

 

Sway with Me by Syed M. Massod (YA Romance)

https://www.syed-masood.com

Arsalan’s 100-year-old great-grandfather taught him everything he knows. Not wanting to be totally alone one day, he asks feisty Beenish, stepdaughter of a prominent matchmaker, for help. She agrees if he’ll help her ruin her sister’s wedding by performing a forbidden dance. They end up growing closer than either would imagine.
This hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age story is a gem! Love the romance, found family, and multi-generational love! (content warning: physical abuse)

 

Murder on the Last Frontier by Cathy Pegau (Adult Mystery)

https://cathypegau.com

Romance, mystery, and Alaska history--this hit so many of my interests! Cathy Pegau's Murder on the Last Frontier is a great feminist historical mystery set in Cordova, Alaska during the suffragist days. I will look for more from this Alaskan author.⁠

 

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert (YA Romance)

https://www.taliahibbert.com

Bradley manages his OCD, his classes, and his friendship with the popular guys pretty well, but trading insults and barbs with Celine isn’t as fun as it looks. Celine has one goal: to become the next Golden Explorer and protégé of the famous lawyer Katharine Breakspeare, but when Brad decides to compete for the title, she’ll need to beat him to get there. A survival course in the woods might lead to a winner, or an emotional adventure neither of them expects. This second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance kept me up late turning pages--funny, witty, and heartfelt in all the right ways. (content warning: mental illness)

 

If you’d like to look at other books I’ve read, you can follow me on The StoryGraph at https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/lynnlovegreen.

 

 

 

Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for most of her life. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering for her local library. Her young adult historical romance is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com. 

Reading Outside The Square

By Cassandra O'Leary 
A couple of months ago I found myself in a reading rut. I had plenty of ebooks to read on my Kindle app, paperbacks I bought ages ago taking up space on my to be read pile, but nothing appealed to me. This was not cool. I'm a big reader...normally I love it for relaxation and enjoyment. But nothing was tickling my proverbial fancy.

As a contemporary romance and romantic comedy author, I'd found myself buying books in those genres almost automatically. I was reading them with a critical eye, working out whether I liked the balance of humour and more subtle character elements, whether the plot was interesting or how they snuck up on me with twists or surprises. Long story short, I was reading with the analytical mind of a writer and it was hurting my head.

I set myself a vague goal of reading some different books, outside my usual sub-genres. Guess what? I found some gems that not only impressed me from a writerly standpoint, but drew me into the story world unlike some of my other recent reads. I think the difference is the step back from my own work. Sometimes it's good to reinvigorate your love of reading just for the love of it.

Here's a short list of some of those books I've enjoyed most.

1. Psy Changling series by Nalini Singh

I'm currently reading Kiss of Snow, book 10 in this expansive paranormal romance/fantasy/sci fi series. So many people had recommended these books to me, knowing that I'm a Star Trek and science fiction fan from way back when. They were right! I should listen to my clever bookish friends.

I love the complexity of the world building in this series, with its contingent of alpha heroes from werewolf and leopard characters, strong heroines and an undercurrent of impending war. The strangely Silent Psy race who have contained their emotions and live almost entirely online, is an interesting take on our society's current reliance on technology. It's also a super sexy series filled with sexual tension...if you like that sort of thing. Hint: I do!

Psy Changling series info - nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas

This is an addictive new adult fantasy series with mythological and romantic elements. Powerful fae and demons rule a number of kingdoms, and our heroine (a human who later becomes immortal after she dies and is resurrected) must navigate a complex political landscape of rival courts.

This series sucked me right in, and I did not expect the changes the heroine brought about in her world through her actions in choosing, then leaving, a fairy mate. She's strong and relentless, weilds a sword and isn't afraid of monsters. Or if she is afraid, she goes out there and deals with them anyway. Now I'm about to start reading Maas's other series, Throne of Glass. I can't wait!

A Court of Thorns and Roses series info - sarahjmaas.com/court-of-thorns-and-roses

3. The Merridew Sisters series by Anne Gracie

This series is pure Regency fun, with a light touch of humour that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anne is an Aussie author I've had the pleasure of learning from, as I've attended a couple of her writing seminars. I just knew I would adore her books, from the moment I heard her speak about imbuing characters with depth, humour and heart but not forgetting to show their faults and flaws.



I started with The Perfect Rake, the first book in the series, and it's now a firm favourite. Highly recommended read for all the historical fans, or anyone who likes a well constructed story with a dishy hero.

The Merridew Sisters series info - www.annegracie.com/books/the-merridew-sisters


Anyway, I hope I've inspired others to read outside their usual box and grab a good read that sings in a completely different key.

About Cassandra O'Leary

Cassandra O'Leary is a romance and women's fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader, film and TV fangirl and admirer of pretty, shiny things. In 2015, Cassandra won the We Heart New Talent contest run by Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. Her debut novel, Girl on a Plane, was published in July 2016. Cassandra is a mother of two gorgeous, high-energy mini ninjas and wife to a spunky superhero. Living in Melbourne, Australia, she's also travelled the world. If you want to send her to Italy or Spain on any food or wine tasting 'research' trips, that would be splendiferous.

Read more at cassandraolearyauthor.com

Lost in Which Genre?

by Diana McCollum

Diana McCollum-- Life is often chaotic in our home, but when I have a few hours of uninterrupted writing time, I use it, as it is a precious commodity.

A lifetime avid reader, I enjoy creating worlds where anything is possible. I can’t help but include an element of the paranormal in my stories, and always a happily-ever-after.

For me there are different levels of being ‘lost in a book’.

I read a lot of different genres. Straight romance, Regency’s in particular, I find highly entertaining. However, they are books I can read a chapter and put the book aside. I tend to read these types of stories in the evening, in bed. I’m “lost in the story” enough to enjoy, but not enough to keep me awake.

Paranormal, Romance and Suspense author Nora Roberts’ story lines are fast paced, cover tough topics and are good, because of that I do have a hard time stopping at just one chapter. If I sit with one of her books, I’ll be ‘lost in the book’ and reading for a couple of hours. Her stories come alive, and I have to find out what happens.

For me most romances and some romantic suspense books are ‘slow paced’. When they are not fast paced I tend to get bored, and can easily put the book aside for a day or two. I usually read this type when I take a break from household tasks.

I don’t know if it is because I’m a mature reader now, but I seem to be pickier about what I spend my time reading.

Now a good thriller, like the one I’m reading right now by Harlan Coben, “Missing You”, will keep me reading straight through to the end. With three interlacing plot lines and fast pacing I’m intrigued to the very end. No reading one chapter at a time with his book!

I know this probably seems strange to enjoy thrillers most of all when I write paranormal romance! Hey, each to his own choices. That’s what entertains me!!

Do you read certain books during the day, night or. .?

If you haven’t read my book “The Witch with the Trident Tattoo”, leave a comment and you could win a free e-book copy.

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