Mommy Writes Fantasy: A Writing Blog

Summer Reading List

+J.M.J.+

Hey, Aly here! We were waylaid with an unexpected house-sitting adventure recently, which totally threw me off my groove. But our little side adventure produced a healthy side-effect: namely, the desire to READ MORE BOOKS! Especially books in my preferred genres, fantasy and young adult.

So today, I thought I’d show you guys my new “summer reading” list!

If you know me, you know I really stink at consistency. (I’m working on that!) And one of the many resolutions I’ve made—and failed to keep—has been to read more. I’ve enlisted many different tools to help me get on track, from downloading the Kindle app on my phone, to keeping a book beside the sofa at all times.

It really hasn’t worked all that great. The Kindle app gets buggy, or someone calls me and makes my whole phone crash while I’m reading. The books on the side table just don’t get touched and start gathering dust until I give up and put them back on the bookshelf. I never seem to finish a book that I start, and it’s really starting to depress me.

With the baby coming soon, I’m hoping to change that. My midwife actually suggested loading up a Kindle with all kinds of good books. While I’m learning to breastfeed and be a mom, I’m going to have a lot of down time in a comfy glider. Which, of course, means I have no excuse NOT to read. Good thing my hubby got me a Kindle for a late birthday present.

With all that being said, here’s my to-read list for this summer! I’ve already purchased and downloaded these books, so they’ll be the first things I cross off my to-read list, hopefully before the baby even gets here. Maybe you’ll find your next summer read among these jewels!

By Darkness Hid (Jill Williamson): This was a recommendation from a writer friend, and I snagged it during a free promotion. I’m still in the first act but already loving it! If you like fantasy and are interested in a glimpse into what medieval life and culture was really like, this is the book for you.

Storming (K.M. Weiland): A great read so far. It’s full of high-flying action, family drama, and charming accents with just a touch of whimsical fantasy. I just need to finish it finally and leave a review.

Rose of the Oath (Hope Ann): A writer friend actually WROTE this book, and it’s a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I haven’t started reading it yet, but let me tell you, I am STOKED!

Mist Falcon (Ryan Doughan): I’m guilty of laziness on finishing this one. The writing is compelling and the story—part epic fantasy quest and part allegory— is getting so good! I just keep slacking on finishing it. *slaps own wrist*

These are the four I’m starting with, and I have several others waiting in the wings or in my Amazon wish list. Once I prove to myself that I’ll devour these like I’m supposed to, I’ll treat myself to more. But not until then.

Here’s to renewing my love for reading, and if you have your own summer reading goals, I invite you to share them in the comments below. I’d love to encourage, recommend books, or just simply chat about great books and writers.

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you next post!