First, big apologies for the state of my blog these past couple of weeks. Book 4 is due to my editor at the end of the month, and I’m currently working my way (feverishly) through the second draft. I get this way near the end, and become totally absorbed in the book. I promise to do better soon!
On days like these where I’m putting in those reeaaallly long hours, I find myself turning to my most comforting of comfort reads. So earlier this week I read Morality for Beautiful Girls, book #3 in The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith.
Anyone else a fan of this series? The books are about Precious Ramotswe, owner of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency in Botswana, and her “adventures as she navigates the cases of her clients and the complexities of her personal life.” (from the author’s website) The series is wonderful, charming, often humorous (with a dash of mystery), and captures Africa beautifully. (I went on safari a few years ago and it was the most incredible trip.) I highly recommend this series, particularly to women–Precious’s charming insights into men and their behavior never fail to put a smile on my face. Oh! And they made a mini-series of the books, on HBO, which I plan to treat myself to as a reward for turning in Book 4.
And speaking of Book 4… it appears to be official… my editor confirmed that the title of the book is A Lot Like Love. Wow–my first title that Berkley has kept! And I can’t even take credit for it–many thanks to Elyssa Papa for the suggestion. Hope to have more info to share on the book soon…
In the meantime, I’m curious–what are your most comforting of comfort reads? Those books you want to sink into after a long day?
Aw, Julie, I’m glad that you and your editor liked the title enough to use it. And I cannot wait to read A Lot Like Love! The teaser in the back of SAY for ALLL was fabulous. And you always get such gorgeous covers—I can’t wait to see what Berkley designed.
I read and loved the first Alexander McCall novel. I think I got intimidated by the many books in that series and didn’t read the rest, but I think I will have to rectify that.
Thanks for the mention, Julie. I’m just glad the title worked and that I helped in some way. Do you have any idea when ALLL will release yet? Not that I’m impatient or anything. 😉
Congrats on the title! I like it.
I adore Precious Ramotswe. Alexander McCall Smith’s books are the quintessential comfort reads.
I also love Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series. Have you read any of these books? Maisie is a psychologist and private investigator in London in the early 1930s. She was a nurse in France during WWI and many of her cases have a link to the war, be it in the form of someone suffering from shell shock, a war injury, or an unsolved mystery dating from the war.
Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer are my go-to authors when I want comfort re-reads.
Hey Julie,
I’ve never heard of Alexander McCall Smith until now, and I’ve added her to my list of authors I must try. 🙂
Any chance that we may see A lot like love by the end of the year?? PLEASE
My all time favorite comfort reads are LaVryle Spencer – Bittersweet, Hummingbird, and Twice Loved. Then there’s Linda Howard’s Mr. Perfect and Cry No More. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve read them.
I like the new title! Looking forward to more info…
Top comfort reads for me are Sharon Shinn’s Samaria series and her Twelve Houses one, Juliet Marillier’s Sevenwaters books, and anything by Robin McKinley.
Hi Julie
As long as you’re busy writing – no problem.
Anxious for the next one. I wait so long & then savor/inhale it in one sitting.
You either have to:
1.write longer books
2.not be so good at it.
I pick # 1.
For comfort reads I have 2 types. Sometimes I want something funny like yours or Jill Shalvis. Sometimes I want something like Sweet Restraint By Beth Kery.
Hi Julie;
I absolutely turn to my comfort reads when overwhelmed with the work / home life mix.
A couple of my favs: “Snowbound” by Larissa Ione, “Wicked Burn”, Beth Kery, JTSMA, Julie James, & Nothing Personal by Jaci Burton. 🙂
I love the title for book 4! Congrats!
L
Hey everyone!
Elyssa, Lora, and Angie: A Lot Like Love will be out next March. But I’ll post excerpts and other fun stuff to help pass the time. 🙂
Sarah T: I haven’t read the Maisie Dobbs series, but now I’m curious–I’ll have to check those out.
Mary G: Aw, you’re sweet. Thanks for the shout-out.
Lea: Glad you like the title! And you’ve got a lot of great authors on your list there.
Hey Julie!
I can’t wait for your fourth book and I love the title!
My comfort reads are Mary Janice Davidson’s Undead series(I love Betsy,the vampire queen), and Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s “Natural Born Charmer” and “This heart of mine”
Julie, congrats on your new title! I love it!
I was just in Chicago these last few days with the family…ugly weather but we had a good time.
My comfort reads include the Vicky Bliss series by Elizabeth Peters and also BET ME by Jennifer Crusie, and rereading any JD Robb books.
Congratulations on the new title!
Almost anything by Nora Roberts is my comfort read. When I hit a reading slump or have just been having a bad week I read one of her novels. She has so many I can always find one I haven’t read. My favorites are her Bride Quartet books (Vision in White and Bed of Roses).
I’ve heard the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is fantastic. I’ll have to check that series out sometime.
A Lot Like Love — I love this title. It reminds me of Ashton Kutcher from his movie exactly with same title. I love that movie and I still feel the tingling in my heart everytime I remember it…now I can’t wait to read this book already. Oh Julie, writer faster will you?
Didn’t mean to pressure you, I just enjoyed all your 3 novels and I’m just so excited for the next!!! yay.
The new title sounds like a winner!
My favorite comfort reads are Linda Howard’s older works; Mackenzie’s Mountain, Duncan’s Bride. Her books like Mr.Perfect remind me of your writing, which is what attracted me to your work. I love smart, snappy dialog which you both excel at.
Believe me, I could pay you no higher compliment, in my book, than to compare you with LH.
That is a huge compliment, Janet! Mr. Perfect is one of my favorites. (Love that window scene.) : ) Thank you!!
Everything LH has ever written is on my very limited keepers shelves. Keep turning them out, and you’ll be fighting her for room. 😉
yayeee!!!
A Lot like Love.. cant wait cant wait!!
next march is sooooo far away! but i kno it’ll be worth the wait!!
my comfort reads r sophie kinsella..loved the shopaholic books, nicholas sparks, n ofcourse u!
keep writing
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