beach reads

I have a slight obsession with books. My house is filled with stacks of unread novels, coffee table books, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. But today, I want to focus on a specific genre that holds a special place in my heart: beach reads!

A good beach read is more than just a book you read while lounging on the sand. It's a book that transports you to the beach no matter where you are. It's a chance to let go of everyday stress and immerse yourself in a world of relaxation and adventure. And with summer coming to a close, there's no better time to indulge in beachy literary escapism.

Here are five beach reads that are speaking to me right now:

1. On Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen -  This is the perfect example of a book I bought because I heard about it on a podcast! Thsi time it was mine! For more, check out Episode 68: On Fire Island: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Resilience with author Jane Rosen.  

2. Beach House Memories, by Mary Alice Monroe, is the sequel to The Beach House I read earlier this summer. Reading this second book will be like coming back for another summer visit with friends. 

3. Silo by Hugh Howey - I don’t typically go for dystopian post-apocalyptic science fiction when I want to relax, but after binging the first series on Apple TV, I have to read the books now!

4. When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal. This title popped up on a friend’s Facebook post, and I just had to add it to my list because, well, mermaids!

5. Florida’s Golden Galleon’s - The Search for the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet - by Robert F. Burgess and Carl J. Clausen  This book is perfect for history and treasure hunting fans.

Remember, a beach read doesn't have to be a physical book. Travel magazines about your favorite beach destinations can be just as captivating. And who can resist a good audiobook during a long drive to the coast?

Whether lounging on a sun-soaked beach or simply dreaming of the ocean, good beach reads will transport you to a world of relaxation and wonder.

Even if you can't physically be at the beach,  pick up a beach read off your shelf or pick one up at your local bookseller (it feels good to support small businesses) and let your mind escape to sandy shores. 

Grab a cool drink, kick back, and dive into the world of beach reads together!

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We are headed to the beach in a few short days!  In today's chapter, we chat about all the books we're thinking of packing for some serious beach chair and poolside reading.  Our choices range from classics to shiny new releases and we're excited about every single one.   We're going to follow Ralph Waldo Emerson's suggestion to "live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air" and we'll be doing it all with  books in our hands.  (Well, maybe not the swimming in the sea part).

Julia’s Books:

• Holes  by Louis Sachar
• Deception Point by Dan Brown
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 
• Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
• Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
• The Liar's Dictionary by Eley Williams
• The Trials of Morrigan Crow  (Nevermoor #1)  by Jessica Townsend
• Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
• Dune by Frank Herbert

Stephany’s Books:

• The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
• The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon
• Sunrise by the Sea by Jenny Colgan
• Slow Horses by Mick Herron
• The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
• Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
• The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda
• The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
• The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

 Also mentioned:

• Shinrin-yoku
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
• Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
• Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like no Other by Sam Hueghen, Graham Mc Tavish, and Charlotte Reather
• Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series
• The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James
• Island Queen by Vanessa Riley
• Float Plan by Trish Doller
• The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
• Misty Mountains, sung by The Wellermen
• Slow Horses (AppleTV+)
• Men in Black
• Get Smart (with Steve Carell, not Mr. Bean)
• The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett
• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
• The 7½  Lives of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
• 3 Peas in a Pod: The Marriage Portrait

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for listening to today’s show. To support The Book Snug Podcast:

• Write a review and /or rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
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• Share this episode with fellow book lovers

Say hello at thebooksnugpodcast@gmail.com.

Intro/Outro music: Summer Fling by L-Ray Music

Things You Should Stop Worrying About This Week

Sarah Palin’s political career

Humans ruining the sex lives of baboons

The whereabouts of Fat Leonard

Dominos Pizza Wedding Registry

This episode is sponsored by…

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Sit down with our first wife-writing duo, Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta, as they discuss their sophisticated summer romance, The View Was Exhausting. They join us from Berlin to share about their writing process, embracing romance tropes, and why they wanted to explore the topic of women of color in Hollywood.

I am excited to host our first writing duo on the podcast today. It’s not just any writing duo, though; this is a wife-writing duo that joined me from Berlin to discuss their romance debut!

I selected this book for our Summer Reading Guide because it brings the PURE ESCAPE factor you crave in your vacation reading. This swoon-worthy romance laces iconic scenery with a Hollywood setting and weaves in a great fake dating plotline.

Mikaella and Onjuli share how they divide their writing and began writing stories together over a decade ago. It’s beautiful and inspiring for anyone contemplating writing a book with their life partner.

This week does, sadly, conclude our Summer Author Interview series. I hope you have enjoyed these conversations!

Check out the two other episodes this summer: my Ashley Winstead interview on Fool Me Once (episode 37) and the Jenny Pentland interview on This Will Be Funny Later (episode 34).

Ashley shares differences between thriller and romance writing. Jenny's interview was a lesson in vulnerability with memoir writing and growing up as Roseanne Arnold's daughter. Don’t miss these episodes.

Now let’s chat about this smart and sophisticated summer romance that has become my top summer book recommendation for friends that need a true escape from reality.

NOTE FROM AMY: I hope you love the show’s new look! I was so excited to share it with you today!

Mentioned in this episode:

Get the Kindle Daily Deals List to Your Email

The View was Exhausting by Mikaela Clements & Onjuli Datta

Thank U, Next: How the Golden Age of Romcoms Inspired Our Novel

Get A Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

The View Was Exhausting Playlist on Spotify

TVWE Remix on Spotify

100 Ways Music Video by Jackson Wang

Getaway Car Music Video by Taylor Swift

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

The View Was Exhausting Book Club Kit

Six Days in Rome by Francesca Giacco

Tell Me Everything by Laura Kay

Connect with Us:

Amy is @momadvice on Instagram

MomAdvice.com

Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus Content

mikandonj on Instagram

Page One, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview the world's master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.

About the guest author:

Dallas Woodburn is the author of five books, both traditionally published and self-published, and editor of two national anthologies. She has also written for dozens of magazines, newspapers, websites, and 30+ books in the popular "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series. Her latest novel The Best Week That Never Happened was a #1 New Release on Amazon & an Apple Books best-seller. She received her BA in Creative Writing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California and her Master’s degree in Fiction Writing from Purdue University. She was also a John Steinbeck Fellow in Creative Writing at San Jose State University. As a successful author, coach and writing professional, Dallas has led groups and seminars at a number of national conferences, festivals, and book fairs. She is also a frequent guest speaker on TV shows, podcasts, and writing conferences. She hosts the Thriving Authors Podcast and the Thriving Authors Virtual Summit. Her latest book, a collection of short stories, How to Make Paper When the World is Thriving, was published by Koehler Books in June.

About the host:

Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is the author of four historical fiction novels, and her debut novel, The Virgin's Knot,was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her books have been published in eleven countries and translated into nine languages. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome and her love of Shel Silverstein's poetry. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com.

If you have a first page you’d like to submit to the Page One Podcast, please do so here.

As an author and writing coach, I know that the first page of any book has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. So I thought to ask your favorite master storytellers how they do their magic to hook YOU. 

After the first few episodes, it occurred to me that maybe someone listening might be curious how their first page sits with an audience, so I’m opening up Page One to any writer who wants to submit the first page of a book they’re currently writing. 

If your page is chosen, you’ll be invited onto the show to read it and get live feedback from one of Page One’s master storytellers. Page One exists to inspire, celebrate and promote the work of both well-known and unknown creative talent.  

You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players. 

Hear past episodes.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Instagram

Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast, where master storytellers discuss the stories and struggles behind the critical first page of their books. If you liked this episode, please share it on social, leave a review on your favorite podcast players and tell your friends! 

I hope you enjoy this labor of love as much as I love hosting, producing, and editing it. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my newsletter at www.hollylynnpayne.com with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. 

For the love of books and writers,

Holly Lynn Payne
@hollylynnpayne
www.hollylynnpayne.com

Not everyone can say they published two books during the pandemic, but Ashley Winstead can. Today we discuss her romance debut Fool Me Once and how Winstead hopes to break the mold with her romance characters.

This week we continue our conversations with writers in our Summer Author Interview series. After our incredible kickoff with Jenny Pentland’s memoir (episode 34), we move into lighter fiction waters with Fool Me Once, written by Ashley Winstead.

I felt compelled to reach out to Ashley to hear about her surprising journey to full-time writing during the pandemic and what it was about this time that yielded such a fruitful creative time for her career. She shares how her previous job (as a communications director working in public policy) shaped the plot line for Lee Stone and the kickoff to her new romance series.

I also want to know what it looks like to compartmentalize work when you write in two genres. For example, Ashley alternates writing thrillers (like In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and the soon-to-be-released The Last Housewife) and romance- two VERY different worlds.

Are there two Ashleys? We need answers!

She speaks with surprising vulnerability about the challenges in the romance industry and with great confidence about the kind of success she plans to achieve with her writing. Don’t miss this episode.

Patreon friends can enjoy a bonus episode with Ashley in our fun Bookworm Challenge. Be sure to join Patreon to unlock this feature.

Be sure to check out this year’s Summer Reading Guide for the best beach read book recommendations.

Get to Know Ashley:

Ashley Winstead holds a Ph.D. in contemporary American literature from Southern Methodist University and a B.A. in English and Art History from Vanderbilt University. She lives in Houston with her husband, where she drinks red wine and dreams up novels. You can connect with Ashley on Instagram!

Mentioned in this episode:

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead

Book Gang Episode: This Will Be Funny Later with Jenny Pentland

MomAdvice on Patreon

Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead

The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead

Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q Sutanto

How the Hell Has Danielle Steel Managed to Write 179 Books?

Connect With Us:

Amy is @momadvice on Instagram

Ashley’s Instagram

Ashley on Twitter

AshleyWinstead.com

Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus Content

On this episode, we welcome our new co-host Jacqueline Cooper and discuss the seventh prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, books that take place near the ocean. To celebrate our summer learning theme, we have an ocean of possible reads for you, including horror, cozy mystery, and fantasy.

Book Notes

• Michael recommends The Fisherman by John Langan
• Carrie recommends The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths
• Jacqueline recommends The Siren by Kiera Cass

Bite Notes

• Pair The Fisherman with the aptly named Leviathan Baltic Porter from Harpoon Brewery. Appearing like the black ocean in a glass, it has a nose of toasted biscuits and dark fruits with a dark chocolate and earthy finish.
• Munch your way through The Postscript Murders with Spicy, Crisp Puffed Rice Nibbles, a recipe from Madhur Jaffrey's book, Vegetarian India: A Journey through the Best of Indian Home Cooking.
• The Siren deserves a sweet treat like Lemon Layer Cake with Summer Berries, a recipe that reminds Jacqueline of picking berries, swimming, and just enjoying the sun.

These page-turning cozy summer reads are just what you need for your beach bag. Try these summer books that embrace cozy love stories, small-town fun, and even light family drama.  This is the episode you need for your beach bag! 

I know I am LIKELY not your go-to for COZY reading choices, so I thought I would bring on a guest who would be. 

When I read something that gives me warm fuzzies, you know it is a rare gem that deserves to be talked about. 

 We have the stack for you if you love a good happily ever after, beach house settings, magical realism, and stories about falling in love. 

Today’s books have fun twists and turn that will keep you turning the pages until past bedtime. These plotlines are light enough for beaching read while still delivering on stories that would be perfect for a summer book club. 

In this discussion we share our mutual adoration for Emily Henry (a featured author in this year’s summer reading guide) and Steven Rowley.  We also embrace a few farfetched mysteries, food-themed literature, lighter family dysfunction, and bookish-themed tales

Mentioned in this episode:

Limelight by Amy Poeppel

MomAdvice on Patreon

The Couch Podcast: Reading About Books & Reading with Amy Allen Clark

Book Gang: This Will Be Funny Later with Jenny Pentland

Veronica Mars

The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

The Lincoln Lawyer movie

Book Gang: Cozy Up With These Winter Reads

Better Homes & Gardens Ventura Outdoor Rocking Chair

Fre Sparkling Rosé

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter

Thank You for Listening for Julia Whelan

The Kindred Spirts Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

Love, Luck & Lemon Pie by Amy E. Reichert

Women’s Paranormal Fiction on Amazon

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland

The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

The Editor by Steven Rowley

Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

Freaky Friday

The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q Sutanto

Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q Sutanto

Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich

Connect With Us:

Mary on Instagram

The Couch Podcast with Mary Carver

Amy is @momadvice on Instagram

MomAdvice.com

Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus Content

Page One, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.

About the guest author:

Karen Winn received her MFA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She also holds a doctoral degree in nursing. Born and raised in New Jersey, Karen now lives in Boston with her husband and two children. Our Little World is her first novel.  You can find her at: www.karenlwinn.com

About the host:

Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is the author of four historical fiction novels, and her debut novel, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her books have been published in eleven countries and translated into nine languages. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome and her love of Shel Silverstein's poetry. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com.

If you have a first page you’d like to submit to the Page One Podcast, please do so here.

As an author and writing coach, I know that the first page of any book has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. So I thought to ask your favorite master storytellers how they do their magic to hook YOU. 

After the first few episodes, it occurred to me that maybe someone listening might be curious how their first page sits with an audience, so I’m opening up Page One to any writer who wants to submit the first page of a book they’re currently writing. 

If your page is chosen, you’ll be invited onto the show to read it and get live feedback from one of Page One’s master storytellers. Page One exists to inspire, celebrate and promote the work of both well-known and unknown creative talent.  

You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players. 

Hear past episodes.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram

Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast, where master storytellers discuss the stories and struggles behind the critical first page of their books. If you liked this episode, please share it on social, leave a review on your favorite podcast players and tell your friends! 

I hope you enjoy this labor of love as much as I love hosting, producing, and editing it. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my newsletter at www.hollylynnpayne.com with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. 

For the love of books and writers,

Holly Lynn Payne
@hollylynnpayne
www.hollylynnpayne.com

The gals cover Emily Henry's new release People We Meet on Vacation.

They kick off the episode discussing the perks of sugar waxing and lady bits upkeep, so if you're a bit squimish about that make sure you skip ahead to 18:00 where the People We Meet On Vacation discussion kicks off.

The gals also talk about their scent memories (38:05) and what smells bring out things they love and hate. And to wrap up the episode they discuss an Emily Henry theory about a possible "secret lover?"

Books Covered On This Episode:
People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

Follow us on Twitter at @LowerPod and on Instagram at @loweryourvolumepod, and now on TikTok at @loweryourvolumepod

You can also follow our personal accounts listed below:
Madison: @madison_frye on Twitter and Instagram, and @exlibrisdemadison Bookstagram
Nicole: @nicole_bossio on Twitter, @n_boz53 on Instagram, and @onmyownadventure Bookstagram.

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Annie F Downs Enneasummer 2021 

If you liked this episode, be sure to follow The Morning Rage Instagram account (@themorningrage) this week as well as Amy’s Bookstagram (@livingwellread). We’ll be sharing more book recommendations and hot summer reads. 

On this episode the podcast team explores the curious history and many forms of reading guilty pleasures. We also share surprising things we've done during quarantine for query of the week.

All the books, movies, TV and resources we talked about in this episode can be found here — https://bit.ly/TBDep9b

JCPL librarians bring you book recommendations and discuss the bites and beverages to pair with them. This month, Carrie and Melissa welcome Michael to talk about good books for summer reading--whether you're outside by the pool or staying cool inside.