One of the authors featured in this article has a brand-new book available today! Now’s your chance to read her first one, Perfectly Arranged, and get Perfectly Placed on the top of your To Be Read Pile.
Keep reading for more recommendations on my annual summer reading list:
July in Arkansas. The time of year that we celebrate one of our favorite dates in history: July 17, 1902, the day that Willis Haviland Carrier was inspired to design the first modern air conditioning system.
As the heat index and the mosquitos in the Ouachita area hold us hostage, we have a perfect opportunity to take advantage of Mr. Carrier’s genius. The most strenuous activity I want to engage in right now is whittling away at my “to-be-read” pile.
Since we last talked, a long-held dream of mine has become a new full-time job. I am contracted by an Arkansas based publishing company, Scrivenings Press, to write Christian Fiction novels. The first one, “Hope Takes the Reins” was released in March of this year. Now, my days and evenings are spent creating the next book of the series and helping my fellow authors to promote their books.
Which brings me to the reason for our visit this month. I would love to help you find some wholesome, fascinating fiction as an escape plan from the oppressive heat. All are available for purchase on Amazon, in both paperback and Kindle (e-reader) form.
“Hope Takes the Reins” is a contemporary fiction book, set in a small town in the Arkansas river valley. O.D. Billings and Hope Caldwell are neighbors who have grown up together. After the death of her mother, Hope is facing a difficult transition to adulthood, when she suspects the rodeo her family has been involved in for her whole life may be ending. O.D. who has become well-known as a tie-down roper, volunteers to help save it. However, his brother’s return from the army has caused adjustment issues for the Billings family. I hope you will enjoy the adventures and eventual romance that ensue as the young couple travels life’s twisting, turning dirt roads.
Another author of contemporary stories, Heather Greer, has written a romance with an unusual protagonist. The hero of this story is a professional wrestler. A young recently widowed lady fulfills a promise her son’s daddy made by taking him to a wrestling event. She is surprised to find out that one of the entertainers is a very kind, Christian man in real life. You will be surprised too when you read about “Love in the Squared Circle”.
Amy Anguish tells another romantic tale about a girls only road trip that takes a very interesting turn. As the heroine of the story says “Who knew I’d be bringing home a boyfriend as a souvenir?” “Destination Romance” is a delightful story about Christian young people and their struggles to overcome their emotional wounds.
Liana George’s debut novel is a departure from the traditional “boy meets girl” story. “Perfectly Arranged” introduces us to a professional organizer who thrives on having her life in order. An unexpected trip to China gives her a new perspective on God’s perfect plan, and helps her see that there is more to life than having a closet full of shoes for every occasion.
In years past, I have recommended a book that takes place during the winter. I find that immersing myself in all things Christmas helps me forget the menacing heat. This year’s selection is a Hatfields and McCoys type story about two rival Christmas Tree Farms in the upper Midwest. Dolores Topliff’s “Christmas Tree Wars” reads like a potential Hallmark movie. You’ll love the references to regional customs and foods, as well as the family relationships behind the seasonal businesses.
Of course, if you prefer to read inspirational non-fiction, my first two books, “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “To Everything a Season” are also available on Amazon. If you were a longtime reader of my column here in Ouachita Life, these snippets of my thoughts will be familiar to you. If you are a recent reader, welcome to my front porch! I hope that you enjoy reading my work as much as I enjoy creating it for you.
Remember- to purchase any of these books, just type the author’s name into the search bar of Amazon. If you enjoy the stories, remember to post a review to let others know. That is the best thing you can do for a hardworking author.
Enjoy your summer, stay as cool as possible, and please let me hear from you by sending an email to jennycarlisle@sbcglobal.net, or commenting on my Facebook page, Jenny McLeod Carlisle, or my website, jennycarlisle.com.
May God continue to send you joy for each day of your journey.
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