In our corner of the world, the next few months will look much different than we’d envisioned at the start of 2020. Our travel plans will shift slightly, because celebrations we’d anticipated attending are now postponed. Two of our kids are usually in school for most of the summer and now that schedule has been completely upended. One thing that hasn’t changed? My child-like anticipation for the books I’ll read (or plan to read) this summer. Because one thing remains the same: summer reading is never canceled.
Summer Reading is a Serious Affair
Since I discovered blogs about ten years ago, I’ve enjoyed following Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs. Darcy. Her annual reading guide is something I look forward to every spring. Earlier this week, I became a member of the What Should I Read Next community via Patreon just so I could get my hands on Anne’s Summer Reading Guide as soon as it dropped. She hosted a live unboxing event offering an exclusive front row seat as well as immediate access to an expanded version of her summer reading guide. It was like Christmas, my birthday, and a long walk through my favorite bookstore all wrapped up in one delightful event.
Highly Anticipated Audio
These are the audio books I’ve purchased and pre-ordered based on Anne’s recommendations. I am a bit of a snob regarding narrators. When Anne specifically mentioned the excellent quality of the audio versions of Beach Read and The Jane Austen Society, that was all the encouragement I needed. Elin Hilderbrand’s books are an auto-buy for me and often feature a particular narrator, Erin Bennett, who is one of my favorites.
Because Anne Said So
I’ve added the following titles to my summer to-be-read list based on Anne’s suggestions. After listening to Anne discuss these books, I promptly pre-ordered or ordered them from my favorite online retailers.
Heidi’s Highly Anticipated List
Before Anne released her summer reading guide and inspired me to add even more titles to my gigantic to-be-read pile, I had started my own list of highly anticipated new releases. Some of these I’ve read or I’m currently reading because I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher. Kerry Winfrey’s new release is a must-read for me because I loved her previous novel, Waiting for Tom Hanks. And because I’m a sucker for an illustrated cover, Eighty Days to Elsewhere by KC Dyer is on my list as well.
A Shout Out to my Harlequin Peeps
I am a published author with Harlequin Love Inspired, which means I love reading and writing contemporary romance novels. Maisey Yates, Lee Tobin McClain, RaeAnne Thayne and Jill Lynn are four authors whose books I often buy. When I have the privilege of attending a conference, I try to chat with these ladies, go to their sessions if they’re teaching and generally glean any tips or encouragement they offer. They all have new releases that I’m looking forward to buying and reading.
Your Turn
Friends, no matter what your summer looks like, there’s always time to get lost in a great story. Whatever you choose to read, I hope it’s a spectacular experience. If you’d like to have your own copy of Anne’s Summer Reading Guide, visit her online here. If podcasts are your jam, I highly recommend listening to What Should I Read Next. Content creators always appreciate new members joining their patreon community. You can become one of Anne’s Patreon supporters here. I’d love to hear what you’re reading, so drop a comment and let me know!
