A Five-Heart Read + Standing Up to Discouragement
Hello, September!
It’s been a great month of reading, writing, and writing conferences. I traveled to Nashville for Killer Nashville (yes, it's all about thrillers, suspense, and mysteries!) and then to Oklahoma City for WriterCon. Both were great conferences and left me energized as I begin work on my next novel.
This month, I'm sharing a few recent reads, another peek Behind the Keyboard, and a thought about Discouragement. Let's get started!
📚 Books Read and Reviewed!
It's been an interesting reading month—from a five-heart favorite to one that simply wasn't for me. Here's what's been on my nightstand.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ This Book Made Me Think of You—Libby Page (Audiobook)This book was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Set primarily in London, with a few stops in Paris, Bali, Tuscany, and New York, the story centers on a life-changing romantic gesture left behind by Tilly's deceased husband. I listened to the audiobook, and at first, I had a hard time with the British accent. Normally, that doesn't bother me, but this one took some getting used to. Once I did, it was smooth sailing, and I didn't want the story to end.
Special thanks to newsletter subscriber Kathy for recommending this one!
★★½ One More Sunday—John D. MacDonaldSo many successful authors rave about John D. MacDonald that I finally decided to give him a try. Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. I know he also wrote a popular detective series, so I may still try one of those, but One More Sunday didn't leave me wanting more.
★★★★★ Think Twice—Lisa ScottolineFast-paced. Intriguing. Memorable. This was my first Lisa Scottoline novel, and it didn't disappoint. I've heard Lisa speak at conferences and have wanted to try one of her thrillers for a while. This one kept me turning pages right to the end.
Currently Reading:Mystic River — Dennis Lehane (Audiobook). This older crime novel follows three childhood friends into their forties, when a murder brings their complicated histories together again. It's deeply layered and complex. I'm not quite finished. Right now, I'm enjoying it, although it feels a bit long for me. Stay tuned!
Calamity Club — Kathryn Stockett. I'm a little nervous about this one! Reviews seem mixed, especially when it comes to the ending. I'm hoping I'm not disappointed.
On My TBR List: One Year After by William R. Forstchen • Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger • All the Broken Places by John Boyne • When the Jessamine Grows by Donna Everhart — recommended by one of you! Keep the recommendations coming!
🎬 Did You Know?
Books and movies have quite the love affair. Nearly half of the original U.S. and UK drama series studied on Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video were based on books. Even more interesting, one recent TV adaptation sent sales of the original novel soaring more than 9,000% in the month the series debuted.
What about you? Do you read the book first, watch the movie first, or do both? And which usually wins?
✍🏻 Behind the Keyboard
This month, I'm introducing you to a character who isn't a person.
Meet Pinewood Hills, South Carolina.
Pinewood Hills may be fictional, but while writing TRAPPED, it became very real to me. It's more than the setting for the story. It's a community shaken by tragedy—and filled with people determined to put the pieces back together.
📍TRAPPED is getting closer to publication! I'm excited to share that my next book, TRAPPED, will soon be available for pre-order!
Newsletter subscribers will be among the first to know when pre-orders go live, so keep an eye on your inbox.
In the meantime, here's a little taste of what's coming.  TRAPPED A string of suspicious fires. A small town full of secrets. And one woman determined to uncover the truth—whatever it costs.
Still grieving the loss of her daughter, high school chemistry teacher Vivienne Johnson begins asking questions when a deadly classroom fire becomes the latest in a troubling string of blazes around Pinewood Hills. A scientist by nature, Vivienne searches for patterns others have missed—but the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her search becomes.
And soon, finding answers won't be her greatest challenge. Surviving will. ✨ Who's Talking? (Discouragement) Do you like to visit the library? It’s a great place to surround yourself with creative works by people who refused to let discouragement win. When I look at all the books on the shelves, I see years of hard work—people who had an idea and kept trying until they held the finished product in their hands. Trial and error. Writing and erasing. Editing. Starting over. Rewriting until the story finally worked.
 Every library contains books written by people who refused to quit.
It's remarkable, really, and it's true in almost every part of life. Whether you're trying a new recipe, taking up a hobby, building a better work process, inventing something new, or writing a book, there will be setbacks, restarts, frustration... and discouragement. Here's what to remember: if it doesn't work the first time, the second time, or even the hundredth time, that's okay. Roadblocks and wrong turns are part of the process. Make an adjustment. Try again. Go in a different direction.
It’s normal to feel like giving up. The key is to keep going and stay flexible. If one approach doesn't work, try another.
Thank goodness we don't hold children to the same standards we sometimes hold ourselves. Imagine giving a child three tries to learn to tie a shoe, then telling them to give up. Give yourself that same patience.
And the next time you pick up a book you love, remember: J.K. Rowling spent five years writing the first Harry Potter novel. That book exists because she didn't let Discouragement have the final word. Neither should you. Keep at it, friend. 😁 Now, a Little Something to Make You Smile  Thank you for being part of this community.
P.S. Enjoyed today's blog post? I'd love it if you'd forward it to a friend who might enjoy it, too. Blessings, Sandy |
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