It’s Day 11 of our wonderful book tour holiday, pull up a deck chair and feel the sand between your toes.
Today my guest is June Kearns.
Beach Reads Blog Tour
My ideal holiday spot for relaxing and reading? Cromarty. (From the shipping forecast? Forties, Cromarty, Forth, Tyne and Dogger.) The tiny historic town at the tip of the Black Isle, way up in the north of Scotland has warm seas (Gulf Stream), seals, kites and bottlenose dolphins. The rest of the family can swim, sail, fish, play golf, tennis and everything else that they like to do, while I sit in the sun with a book. Bliss!
A book I’ve been meaning to read for ages: Love & The Goddess by Mary Elizabeth Coen
I’d already spotted this and admired the cover, but it was the feature on A Woman’s Wisdom Blog that made me fly to the buy button on Kindle. Described as one of those Wonderful Feel Good Books, perfect for a lazy weekend or holiday read, and likened to Sex and the City meets Eat, Pray, Love (I loved both), made it irresistible.
Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
A book from my favourite genre: The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
Fabulously funny, sad, sensitive – this book is all of those things. Was it the first Anne Tyler that I read, the one that hooked me in? I just love it, and have several paperback copies in case one is loaned or lost. A storyline about a man whose life goes into a tailspin after his son dies and his marriage breaks up doesn’t sound much fun, but the appearance of frizzy-haired dog-trainer Muriel from the Meow-Bow dog clinic, turns everything around. Gorgeous.
Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
A book I could truly escape with: The Republic of Love by Carol Shields
This is a book that I really did escape with on my first ever camping trip with family to the south of France. That first night, I lay on my little cot with flies circling overhead and thought: ‘Help! This is just like Tenko! ’ (TV series about a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.) It’s such a wonderful read – a love-story, yes, but so fresh and sparkling and surprising. Love it. (I have 3 paperback copies of this one, too!)
Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
A book that interests me from a genre I’ve never read: Two Rivers by Zoe Saadia
Although I have actually read quite a lot of historical fiction, Zoe Saadia’s books sound completely different to anything else. Instinct tells me to start at the beginning of the series and I’ve read some wonderful reviews of this particular book, (‘cracking good story,’ ‘writing flows beautifully’). I read a lot of Native American history when researching my first book and just wish I’d had access to Zoe Saadia’s series at that time, with all the information and history packaged in a really entertaining read. (On my Kindle)
Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
One of my own books?
Well if like me, you’re a sucker for romance, threaded with history and humour – The 20’s Girl might appeal.
Even before the remake of Gatsby and advent of Downton, there was just something in the air about the 1920s – the music, style and fashion. The story was also inspired by a 1920s newspaper headline: ‘A million women too many! 1920 husband hunt!’ – about that generation of surplus women in England after the First World War, who were left with little hope of love or marriage. They were given advice: ‘If you’re hoping for a husband – be warned. Nice young men have no time for jazzing flappers.’
Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
And if you’re still looking for some really great holiday reads, let me add the three latest books from my friends and allies in the New Romantics Press, all of which are on Kindle and in paperback.
Scotch on the Rocks by Lizzie Lamb, Secrets of the Heart, Adrienne Vaughan and Twins of a Gazelle, Mags Cullingford.
Happy Reading!
Sounds fabulous! Any recommendations for places to stay on Cromarty while I’m there (reading from your fabulous list of course!)?
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It is a special place, Barb.
Most times, we’ve hired large family houses just outside the little town of Cromarty.
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Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs and commented:
Another fabulous list of reads
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Thank you, Judith.
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Great choices, June. Have read Anne Tyler’s The Accidental Tourist – fabulous!!
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I love her books, Judith – all so quirky!
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What a wonderful place that sounds. As well as adding to my TBR list, I’m also making a ‘to be visited’ list 🙂
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It’s well worth the effort of getting there, Alison (loong drive!)
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What a superb destination, June and great choice of books. The only one I’ve read is 20’s Girl, which I loved and own a very special copy of that, however now I know you have a spare ‘loan’ copy of The Accidental Tourist I’ll nip round, oh and The Republic of Love too, put the kettle on,
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Thank you, Adrienne!
I’ll have it all ready.
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I love the sound of Cromarty, June, and your choice of books. The 20s Girl is on my reading list, Two Rivers is fabulous and I’ll be checking out your other choices.
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Hope you enjoy them, Cathy!
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Reblogged this on BetweenTheLines and commented:
Great book choices from June.
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Thank you, Cathy.
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Reblogged this on June Kearns.
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This sounds like a wonderful destination June. Some wonderful books here too.
Could do with a new pair of eyes to get through all the great books on this site.
Have a great day.
Cathy
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Thanks Cathy, I’m lost without my own set of specs.
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Thank you, Cathy.
I know, the TBR list gets longer and longer.
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What a lovely post, June! And now i’m off to google Cromarty, it sounds idyllic!
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Thank you, Cathy!
It’s a long way up, but worth the effort.
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Reblogged this on Lizzie Lamb and commented:
Some great Bach read suggestions from June Kearns. Another great blog post from Rosie Amber
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What I find interesting about these posts (apart from the choices) is that none of us would have met if it hadn’t have been for Twitter. And two of the books (if not more) would never have come to my attention because they are self-published and I wouldn’t find them in Waterstones. Just a thought . . . Back to June (!) great choices and I loved 20s girl, funny, engaging and another fabulous hero. Mary Cohens is in the TBR pile.
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Thanks for that, Lizzie!
(I know you’re in the wilds of Scotland yourself with rare internet access!)
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Cromarty does sound fab! Anywhere that gets you all that reading does … I’m going on holiday with Mum soon but she’s more for the talkin’ than the readin’. xx
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I think lots of talking makes a good holiday as well, Sue! Hope you enjoy.
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I love the sound of Cromarty, June. Great to see your book choices too – I will be adding one or two to my reading pile, that’s for sure! I’ve often heard the Accidental Tourist mentioned, so this is a good reminder. Fab post! 🙂
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Thanks, Jan!
The film of the Accidental Tourist, with William Hurt and Geena Davis is worth a watch, too.
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OH dear – I’m late to the party, but looks like a lot of us will be going to Cromarty – my ideal, that sort of place! Zoe Saadia’s books really bring that era to life, June; she also has a blog on which she writes about the history that inspired them; it was reading that, when I first joined Twitter, that made me start to read her books (I’ve read 5!). And I echo everything Lizzie says!!!
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Thanks for the tip , Terry!
I’ll look up Zoe’s blog.
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Lovely post, June! Anne Tyler’s one of my very favourite authors. The first book I read of hers was A Patchwork Planet, and I was hooked from then on, but Accidental Tourist was the second and there was no turning back after that.
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She’s just great, isn’t she Lilian.
Try Ladder of Years!
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That’s one of my favourites! I really must re-read some of her books.
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All exciting books, and some very familiar authors. Wish my TBR pile wasn’t already tottering high.
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Oh, I know Damyanti!
Aready a lifetime’s reading.
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Interesting choices, June. My sister tells me how good Zoe Saadia is, and I have had read a sample chapter of Mary’s book, which makes me want to read more. I don’t have much time for reading for pleasure any more, but I will make time for these over the summer!
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That’s a bit sad, Julia!
I guess it means that you’re very busy with proofreading, which is good! (And I can highly recommend!)
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Cromarty sounds wonderful, but are the seas really warm??? I doubt warm enough to tempt me in which might be just as well as after this selection I have another pile of great reads to sit on the beach with. Great choices June and I’ve got yours in my sights too!!
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The seas are QUITE warm, Georgia – (not warm enough to poach an egg, which is my usual test) – but the Gulf Stream helps. If you get the weather (!!) it’s just gorgeous!
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Sound amazing!
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It’s a special place!
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Lovely book choices June, and you’ve given me a perfect destination for a family break next year. Cromarty sounds simply breathtaking!
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You won’t be disappointed, (unless it rains!!)
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I enjoy books with Native American history, so I’d probably like Two Rivers by Zoe Saadia. Thanks for sharing your ‘beach reads’. 🙂
@dino0726 from
FictionZeal – Impartial, Straighforward Fiction Book Reviews
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Thank you for the comment!
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I really enjoyed Love & the Goddess, June. Seeing the names Anne Tyler and Carol Shields has reminded me how I used to borrow their books from our local library. I was a regular visitor for years and years. Since buying a Kindle a couple of years ago my trips to the library have dwindled to zero, although I am reading more books.
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That’s interesting, Wendy – I ca
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(Sorry – my finger flicked too quickly!!)
I was trying to say – your comment is interesting, Wendy! I have a kindle, but still far prefer reading in book form. Is that an age thing?!
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I resisted buying a Kindle for ages, June, but eventually succumbed. I still prefer the feel of turning paper pages, but when travelling I find a slim tablet more convenient. I don’t think it’s age per se, I think it’s more to do with the effort involved in adapting to change for those of us who used log tables at school and for whom the pocket calculator was an innovation. 🙂
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Some great choices, June. I’ve recently discovered Zoe Saadia and am enjoying her Rise of the Aztec series. I also really love the look of The Twenties Girl 😀
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Thanks E.L.!
(I have two of your books at the top of my TBR list, too.)
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When you listened to the Shipping Forecast with your granddad bet you never dreamed you’d go to Cromarty, June. Love your selection, Annie Tyler of course, two or three New Romantic Press you mention, I’ve already read, natch. Love and the Goddess by Mary Elizabeth Coen sounds fun, and The Republic of Love if it stops you thinking you’re in Tenko.
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Great list of books. I’ve added them to my Amazon wishlist. I especially love anything by Zoe Saadia.
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I’ve been meaning to read her books for a some time. About to start!
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thank you for re blogging!
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Thanks for the recommendations (I also love Anne Tyler’s books) and the place sounds great. I’ve visited Scotland and loved everywhere I’ve been but I’ll add it to my list of places to visit. 🙂
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It’s a long way up, but worth the trip – really quite special.
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Reblogged this on New Romantics Press.
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Re-blogged on New Romantics Press.
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Thanks for re blogging, Mags.
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