My Top 5 Reads: Summer 2016

Ah, summer. When I finally stop all the excuses, find a secluded spot, and READ for pleasure! I read both indie and well-known authors this summer, and only had a few books I decided to put down because they didn’t hold my attention/ interest at the time. I’d rather highlight the ones I truly loved, and give you a few descriptive words as to why. I’m not going to put them in any order. They don’t compare – they were all excellent, entertaining, and page-turning for me.

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The Girl On the Train by @paulahwritesĀ Ā Ā  (on Twitter )
Gripping, disturbing, chilling, page-turning. Set aside a weekend, and some munchies!
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Such an untraditional love story; I loved how unique this novel was. I loved its artistry. I did find the jumping back and forth every few pages a bit jolting, but I hung in there, because the characters and their story was so interesting. Definitely not a beach read if you’re the type to be interrupted lots on the beach. Read it alone in a cozy spot. When I lost my patience or concentration with this novel, about 2/3 of the way through (and probably just because I was overtired and on a long road trip when I finished this) IĀ  just put it down and went back to it, because it is worth it. There is something magical about this love story; it stays with you long after you read it.
After You by @jojomoyes
This is the sequel to Me Before You. While I liked MBY, I preferred After You to the first one a) because I think the first one was over-hyped so much this summer I expected even more than I should have from it and b) Moyes went deeper into the main character’s thoughts and motivation, and I really enjoyed that. I felt like I got to know the MC even more and was rooting for her more as a result. Read both books if you enjoy touching, thought-provoking romance novels.
Meet Clara Andrews by @thelaceylondon
If you love romantic comedies that are light yet entertaining reads, you need to get to know Lacey London and her Clara series. These are super beach reads; such fun and some silliness, yet all full of heart, humor, and clever quips. I love how quirky Clara is and the situations she finds herself in. You may find yourself chuckling out loud as well as rolling your eyes at her – like a TV sitcom, these reads are NOT to be taken too seriously, but if you let go and just enjoy, they can be a real escape from your everyday. I’ve already bought four in the series.
The Wild Water Walking Club by @ClaireCookwrite
A funny, touching novel about women’s relationships (over 40). I loved the way Cook made each woman different, and found their adventures amusing. I could almost smell the lavender the entire time I was reading. You’ll see.
I’m the author of The Ticket – perhaps you’d like to add that one to your TBR list? šŸ™‚
Thanks for reading,
Heather Grace Stewart @hgracestewart img_0390

Where in the World?

First off, thank you readers for helping make The Ticket a Kindle bestseller in Canada and the USA in Relationship Humor! I had so much fun writing this third novel, and it’s wonderful to see you reacting to it with as much enthusiasm as I have for the characters and story. I’d love for more UK and Australian friends to discover this book! (So if you liked it, please share about it however you can).
Secondly, I could use your help answering a question for me. Did you prefer The Ticket being set in NY and around the world, or was there something intriguing to you about the Canadian-France setting of Strangely, Incredibly Good & Remarkably Great? I’ve been pleased and surprised to learn recently that the majority of my readers are American! (bless you).
It would really help me if my readers answer this question: Does setting matter to you when you read a book? Do you like to be able to relate to the place(s), or is it more interesting if it’s set in a place foreign to you?
(Photo: Me catching up with the July 1866 news yesterday at Upper Canada Village, ON, CANĀ  šŸ˜‰ IMG_6082

‘My brain is a complex and bizarre adventure park’

Find out what else I said to fellow Canadian author Kelly Charron when she interviewed me over at her beautiful blog!

Thanks again, Kelly!

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So, You Want to Be An Author?

Here’s my Thursday Q&A video that I did on my Facebook Author Page today. I’ll be offering up these vidcasts every Thursday at 3 p.m. for a half hour for the next few weeks. I’ll try to remind you that morning via Facebook or here. Thanks for tuning in when you can! We had lots of fun today.

Heather šŸ™‚

‘The kind of book I wanted to read.’

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