Books

Last summer, I was invited to visit the set of Safe Haven, the movie based on Nicholas Sparks' bestselling novel. I flew to beautiful Southport, North Carolina, where I got to meet the author along with stars Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel. It was such a fun experience, and I'll … [Read more...] about Nicholas Sparks on Bringing “Safe Haven” to the Big Screen

I loved Allison Winn Scotch's novel, Time of My Life, because it made me think about my own life and what I might've done differently. (Short answer: nothing!) In her new book, The Song Remains the Same, Allison once again explores the idea of starting over -- this time, after … [Read more...] about allison winn scotch on music, memories and “the song remains the same”

I’ve been reading thrillers again. I’m sure a psychologist could have a field day with my reading patterns because it seems like I turn to thrillers when I’m feeling overwhelmed and need to read books that neatly solve all mysteries and tie up loose ends. I do feel a sense of … [Read more...] about more thrillers!

I could never write a Best Books of the Year post because there are so many good books out there, and I wouldn’t want to leave out any of them! I do like to share the books that really resonate with me, though, so here are four recent titles that have touched me in some way. Have … [Read more...] about four must-read books of the year!

Every once in a while, a character stays with you long after you’ve finished the book. Polly Shine, in Jonathan Odell’s beautiful historical novel, The Healing, is one of those characters. A slave bought by a plantation owner for her supposed healing powers, Polly is a force to … [Read more...] about jonathan odell talks about race, the importance of stories and “the healing”

If I had to pick one author whose words stay with me, inspire me and haunt me, it would have to be Anne Lamott. I have devoured every word the woman has ever written and I am as enamored as much by her attitude and subject matter as I am by her actual writing. So I was … [Read more...] about anne lamott talks about “help, thanks, wow: the three essential prayers”