Show Us Your Books: August

As I promised last time I did this link-up, this month's selections would all have one common thread -- they're all written by people I know. It's fun to be connected to so many writers through various aspects of my life. Check them out!

Promise to Keep

by Anissa Garcia

Anissa was among my dozens of pen pals back when I was a teenager. We met because of a mutual love of "The New Mickey Mouse Club" (or "MMC" as we called it). We lost touch after a while but were recently reconnected. When I found out she had written a book, I immediately bought it and dug in.

It's a sweet modern romance with likeable characters. She's already working on the next installment, and I plan to pick that one up as well.

+++++

The Girl Before

by Rena Olsen

Rena and I met through another mutual friend several years ago. She's one of the nicest people I know, and when we found out we were both writers, our bond grew even more. We've had many writing sessions together. She is a great sounding board and cheerleader for other writers. I'm so proud to be her friend.

I have been waiting for this book for a long time, and I wasn't disappointed. I usually breeze right through books, but I really had to slow down for this one. There was so much to process and think about. I still don't know how I feel about the main characters, but I know I loved the book. Rena did an amazing job telling this story.

+++++

Devil in a Sleeping Bag

by Scott Honea

Scott and I worked together at my first newspaper job in Texas. He was the photographer and I was the reporter, so we spent a lot of time together covering stories. He also had a fun taste in music, so we ended up going to concerts together too. We've stayed in touch throughout the years, and I bought his book immediately after it was released.

Fascinating characters, dark humor, and sad moments are peppered into this story. It started a little slow, but I hung in there and was rewarded with a journey across the country and through lots of emotions. The ending was a bit of a surprise.

++++

OK, so I only got through three of the four I set out to read. I'll get to the final selection in my "books by friends" category soon.

++++

By the way, tomorrow marks 100 days that Dropped Third Strike, my latest book baby, has been in the world.

In celebration, it'll be available on Kindle for just $1.00 for the rest of September. I'm also giving away two paperback copies. Enter below if you're interested.

a Rafflecopter giveaway