I read over 50 books in 2024, thanks in part to a decision to delete social media apps from my phone. I keep a list of my favorites for each year on Goodreads and when I went back through it, there were 9 books that stood out in my mind. I’ve also included the genre since I tend to read whatever comes my way through library holds or impulse purchases.

1. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore – Literary Mystery
2. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle – Romance / Magical Realism
3. Shark Hart by Emily Habeck – Literary / Magical Realism
4. James by Percival Everett – Historical / Retelling
5. Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Paranormal Romance
6. The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center – Contemporary Romance
7. Woke up Like This by Amy Lea – YA
8. Promchanted by Morgan Matson – YA
9. Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis – YA

For 2025, my goal is to continue to read widely, but also to add more YA books into the mix. I’ve already gotten off to a great start with three books completed in the first half of January. I’m also hoping to send out more updates this year and use Substack for blogging about reading and writing.

 I’m participating in the Book Owl Word Search (BOWS) beginning May 20, 2021 as part
of the ORANGE team.

To find out more about the Word Search and how to
play visit https://www.snowywingspublishing.com/book-owl-word-search/bows-how-to-play/.
My secret word is somewhere on this page! After you find it, continue the search by visiting the other author websites for the orange team.

I’m also revealing the new cover for the final book in the My High School Life Series. Read Avery and Eli’s story in MY FRESHMAN YEAR OF FABULOUS.

When Avery needs to escape a first day of school disaster, she ducks into an equipment room to hide and meets someone else who’s also having a really bad day. Eli just got demoted to third string on the football team, a sport he doesn’t even really want to play.

On the hunt for a dance partner before her competition season begins, Avery discovers Eli’s secret, non-football life outside of school. She thinks he could be the dance partner she’s dreamed about. But Eli wants no part of dancing with Avery. When someone else steps in as Avery’s partner for competitions, she and Eli begin practicing steps “just for fun.”

But, is that really all that Eli wants?

And although Avery has found a perfect partner, she’s learning that perfection doesn’t necessarily equal happiness. 

The My High School Life series tells the story of a circle of high school friends and all the ups and downs of teen life, from sports and school, to romance and PROM. Thanks for stopping by! (And if you haven’t figured it out yet, my secret word is PROM!)

You can continue the BOWS game here! Good luck!