Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

Happy May! To be honest, I’m a bit torn about this month because it signals school coming to a close soon (wahh less time for my work!), but also more consistent warm weather (yay!). I also worry that the coming months, with three jobs in full swing (my seasonal Vineyard job picking up), I’ll have less and less time to read for pleasure. That’s one thing I’m trying to keep doing since so much of what I love to read it about choosing what excites me. When I am reading what “I should” read, the joy lessens. (It has to be said that’s the reality of agenting and also writing…you’re not always reading what you want.)

Regardless, I’ll keep reading for pleasure as much as my time allows, and I’ll keep recording it here so you can hopefully find your next read or gain insight into my interests.

For April I started the month off strong with SAY YOU’LL BE MINE, by Naina Kamur. I really loved the dual POV for this, Naina did such a good job of really getting us close to each character in their POV and showing the scenes I wanted from each of them while in their heads. I love the character arcs and watching as their relationship unfolded. It was charming and had me full of squeals and giggles.

Thank you St. Martins and NetGalley for the ARC of IF I STOPPED HAUNTING YOU, by Colby Wilkens. What I’ve realized about most St. Martin’s romances I enjoy are the immersive narratives the authors provide, and Colby is no exception. The writing is wonderful and the immersive scenery and interiority really helped me escape into this book. I was in the mansion, full formed, in my mind. THAT is what I love about reading books. Preorder this now for your spooky reading in the fall.

Lastly, I read THE RULE BOOK, by Sarah Adams. I loved THE CHEAT SHEET and this was a great follow up to that world. I love the side characters from the football team and I’m always a sucker for a good second chance romance. Tie in a accidental vegas nuptials and I’m so invested! Sarah’s writing is always charming and approachable and this was the perfect read for a Friday night in (if you start early enough you can finish before 2am!)

This doesn’t include the countless manuscripts I read for agenting and CPing. There are some great books brewing out there and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on them. I also started quite a few books, but being a mood reader, there were some that didn’t catch my heart when I picked them up. I know there will be a time they will.

Happy May Reading, friends!