If you’re a regular reader here then you know Lisa Ricard Claro. We met years ago at an open writer’s critique group and found that we had a lot in common.
I mean, seriously a lot. It’s kinda creepy, if you want to know the truth. But I’m used to it by now. And so when I read Lisa’s latest blog post, listing some of her favorite reads, I laughed out loud. Because on yesterday’s Cathy C. Hall To Do List was “Blog–books.”
Yep. I was too tired last night at 10:00 when I sat down to write the post, figuring I’d just check what was going on in the world. That’s when I read Lisa’s list of books; they sound like excellent reads. But first, I think you should read my list of great reads (because technically, I’ve had “Blog–books” on my To Do List for a couple of weeks now):
The Write Man by Lisa Ricard Claro
I read Lisa’s novella back when it first came out in December or maybe early January, and it was an absolute treat to be transported to the breezy Barefoot Bay when the cold winds were blowing around here. (And truly, Lisa’s descriptive writing of this seaside setting is lyrical and lovely and downright passionate!) I loved, too, the kidlit writers and their romance, but I will happily admit that if you write about a pirate, I will follow you anywhere. (And if you haven’t been following Lisa’s romance reads, then you can start with The Write Man, but you’ll want to catch up with her Fireflies series!)
J. T. Hardy is the writing team of Janice Hardy and her husband, Tom. And I expect they’ll be collaborating on a lot more novels to come because Blood Ties is a heckuva ride with a gritty (yet surprisingly witty) protagonist in Grace Harper, and I have to know what happens next. You can read more about the particulars, but all you really need to know is this: if you’re a fan of supernatural, fast-paced, urban fantasy thrillers that read like screenplays (and P.S., the dialogue could be a master class in itself), you’re going to want to pick up Blood Ties. But clear your calendar, ’cause you’re not going to want to put it down till you get to the very end. Which really, is just the beginning.
The Falling Between Us by Ash Parsons
Ash Parsons writes compelling Young Adult novels and her latest release, The Falling Between Us, is…is there a word for beyond a page-turner? Because there’s so much more to this story than its mystery-suggestive tagline, “What happened to Joshua Blackbird?” Though maybe that’s meant to suggest multiple layers of meaning, now that I think about it. Because this story, with its exploration of fame, fortune, and social media, exposes all the sides of our exploitative culture. It’s a provocative and eye-opening novel and a worthy read no matter what your age.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Now that the weather has improved, I look forward to sitting outdoors and reading, one of my favorite past times. I will check out these suggestions.
Yeah, you might want to sit outside to read BLOOD TIES. Reading this book at night will keep you up all night! 🙂
Cathy–That middle grades book looks interesting (for my students). Is it Catholic school appropriate? 😉
Sioux, Ash Parsons writes firmly in YA, and so though it certainly has topics that middle schoolers would know and appreciate, it’s not really suitable for those under 14 years of age without a parent’s approval. And knowing Catholic schools as I do, I’m gonna say hold off on this one. 🙂 (However, I have lots of friends who write middle grade! I’ll pass along the next one I come across to you.)
What a nice surprise!! As usual, I read it on my phone while I was out and so had to wait until sitting at my laptop to comment. Thanks for both the kinds words and the link share. I’m honored to be mentioned along with these other authors. Thank you!
As they are honored to be mentioned with you, Lisa. I was sure I’d written about THE WRITE MAN back in the first of the year but I reckon I’m getting older (and not necessarily wiser)! 🙂