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

Top 10 Awkward Moments At My Bookstore Signing

Yesterday was a fantastic day, meeting & greeting loyal and new readers of Strangely, Incredibly Good & Remarkably Great.

However, if you think being an author is all glam and perks like sipping free lattes while you sign your books, I have proof of the exact opposite right here in my Top 10 Awkward Moments At My Bookstore Signing List:

10 Heard in one of the busiest bookstores in North America (Chapters Indigo Pointe Claire Quebec)
Me: Are you here for a particular book or could I interest you in mine?

Several customers: Nope. I’m not much of a reader.

9 There were gorgeous, soft, faux fur mittens being sold behind me. People were trying them on all day behind me, and even asking me what I thought. Authors, beware: you’ll spend three years sweating over creating your book series, and end up selling mittens at a high-traffic bookstore.

8 “OMG! It’s Heather Grace Stewart!” My friend screamed this every time she re-entered the store, which she did several times, and ran up to me, arms waving madly in the air. People stopped and stared. I do think it sold a few books, though.

7 My table was decorated in a read-your-book-in-the-bath theme. To the kid who ate my soap: You owe me $2.50.

6 To the guy who took my photo-business-card and then told his buddy, right in front of me, “I’m going to *use* this later tonight.” Ew. Just, ew. I told you to “Just go,” and pointed you to the door, but I wish I’d thrown hardcover books at you. Or my latte down your pants.

5 Facebook Mentions has an option to try Live Video. Facebook, you should call it Can’t Get A Complete Sentence Out Video Because The Connection Is Too Weak. Neat that 2,000 people liked me saying next to nothing while riding an escalator.

4 No, I don’t know where the washrooms are! Well, I do, but I’m sick of telling people because I DON’T WORK HERE!

3 Heard while a line-up formed late afternoon for me to sign box-sets:

Lady at back of line: Is she famous?

Other lady in line: She’s locally famous.

Me: Huh. So now I’m locally famous. Like cheese. Or a small deli. I’m right up there with cheese and smoked meat.

2 I sold out! I sold out! 33 books in three hours! I sold out!

Except, someone who assured me they wanted a signed box set left it unsigned, in Starbucks. Okay, I *almost* sold out.

1 Two female fans licked my face for a photo opp with me.

Yes. Licked. My. Face. Okay, they happen to be wonderful friends as well as fans, so maybe it wasn’t as creepy as it sounds.

Just plain weird.

If this is what being “locally famous” is going to bring, I’m not sure I’m up for it…but I do love cheese. Mmm, cheese.

Heather šŸ™‚

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Teach a man to fish…

Give a man a fish-2

Not Such A Tough Mudder

Not Such A Tough Mudder

Little girl got rather muddy playing outside. I mean, mud inside her boots as well as outside, and all over hands and face. “That’s okay,” I say to her at the back door as she’s throwing her clothes in a muddy pile for the laundry. “You’re a kid. Kids are supposed to get dirty,” surprising myself at the sound of patience in my voice. “Oh, thanks!” she says. “So, then, I can do this again tomorrow?”

Holiday Checklist

from Where the Butterflies Go

This Christmas, I am telling my inner Supermom to leave the building.

In the pre-Christmas chaos, I will remember to breathe while juggling the buying flying shopping shipping put-it-on-plastic happy hoopla pot luck and good luck trying to squeeze into last year’s little black dress.

Multi-tasking to the point of burn out will no longer be my middle name. I will not apologize or feel inferior if the cards are late or the presents aren’t perfectly gift-wrapped or the kids look like baboons in the family photo.

This Christmas, I won’t trip over my words when I start to say Merry Christmas to someone celebrating Hanukkah. Screw political correctness. This year I will remember what’s truly important: opening a door for a senior, giving food and clothes to the homeless, teaching the children it’s not all about that guy in the red suit.

This Christmas I will put on John and Yoko’s Happy Christmas (War Is Over)—and listen.

No. Really, truly listen.

Another year over, and what have I done? …And so happy Christmas, for black and for white, for the yellow and red ones, let’s stop all the fight.

This Christmas, I will be still. Between the turkey and the silly paper hats; between the wine and the goodnight kisses, I will find my true North star, make a wish for the world and count my blessings—every one.

Stop and smell the...Christmas tree! Happy holidays and thanks so much for reading. xx
Stop and smell the…Christmas tree! Happy holidays and thanks so much for reading. xx