Real You: Great summer reads!

I just love it when authors work together to support each other and that's the case with a new Facebook women's fiction writers group I'm involved with! The women are all amazing - and amazing story tellers. So, if you're looking for a great read this summer, consider one of these! You won't be disappointed! Available NOW:

Lisa Wingate's BLUE MOON BAY

Kaira Rouda's ALL THE DIFFERENCE (yes, that's by me)

Heather Barbieri's THE COTTAGE AT GLASS BEACH

Camille Noe Pagán's THE ART OF FORGETTING (paperback)

Coming Soon!

Claire Cook's WALLFLOWER IN BLOOM

Mia March's THE MERYL STREEP MOVIE CLUB

Amy Hatvany's THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS (w/sneak peek of HEART LIKE MINE)

Margaret Dilloway's THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS

Laurie Frankel GOODBYE FOR NOW

Sarah McCoy's THE BAKER'S DAUGHTER (paperback)

Marisa de los Santos's FALLING TOGETHER (paperback)

You really cannot go wrong picking up one of these books ~ what a wonderful way to spend a weekend! Enjoy!

Real You: The 7-7-7 Challenge! How fun!

I was tagged by the delightful author Cathleen Holst to participate in the 7-7-7 Challenge which gives readers a sneak peek at some of their favorite authors' latest works! Here are the rules:

1. Go to page 77 of your work-in-progress or latest book. 2. Count down 7 lines. 3. Copy 7 sentences that follow and post them. 4. Tag 7 other authors

Here are the seven lines from page 77 of ALL THE DIFFERENCE:

"Lyle, Janet called." "Cool. Is she OK?" "She's fine." "So great. I'm sort of in the middle of something, um, do you want me to call you back later or -" Maddie hung up on him, imagining him turning his attention back to whatever was more important than her.

"Lyle has the depth of a rock. A flat skipping rock," Maddie said to Ellen, who answered Francis's line. "Forget about Lyle. Tell me more about Janet. When did she call you? Are you sure she wants us to visit?"

And to complete the challenge, here are my seven lucky authors!

Amy Hatvany Jenna Blum Beth Hoffman Katrina Kittle Claire Cook Talli Roland Melissa Foster

Real You: Book Parties!

     Don't you just love a party? I do. And I have had a blast this past month at launch parties for HERE, HOME, HOPE at friends' homes and at amazing small businesses across the country. If you're interested in hosting a party - and having me there - please let me know! We have a Book Party Kit and more to help make your event a fun, memorable summer soiree! Please contact me - kaira AT kairarouda.com for more information or send me a message on Facebook or Twitter.      Coming up this month are stops in Dallas (June 8 and 9), Los Angeles (June 10-13), Scottsdale (June 14 and 15) - followed closely by Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Jacksonville, Orlando, and then a huge swing through the Northeast: Portland, Boston, Cape Cod, Nantucket and more. I would love to join you, your friends, your book club and more for a party. I'll also be making appearances at book stores across the country all summer and I'd love to see you there. Book tour here.   

I wrote about how much fun the parties have been, and how it's been a great excuse to reconnect with friends for Girlfriendology, and my friend Debba Haupert. See you in Cincinnati, Debba!!