A Wednesday list...

Hello! It's been a while since I've posted a classic Wednesday list, so off we go!

1. What I'm reading....
I finished China Rich Girlfriend, which I think I might have actually enjoyed more than Crazy Rich Asians. At least, it was just as much of a fun, fast read as the first book and maybe a little more bonkers. My book club and I decided it felt like reading a novel length version of a gossip magazine. And for something completely different, I just finished Celine, by Peter Heller who's maybe a little more well known for The Dog Stars and most recently The River. I really enjoyed Celine, although it wasn't quite what the experience I expected. It's a mystery that feels like it moves slowly, but then all of a sudden I'm two thirds of the way through the book. The plotting and story are excellent, but the story is more character driven (which is my favorite kind of mystery), and the rich, vivid descriptions made me feel like I was in Wyoming in the fall (which...hello, I'd love to be in Wyoming in the fall).

2. What I'm watching and listening to....
Poldark is baaaack!!! It's the final season, and two episodes in there's enough political intrigue to make my head spin. Also, they've jumped right into a storyline about insanity and mental health, which is a fascinating (and disturbing) subject matter at the turn of the 19th century.

My friend Stephanie also sent me a link to this song: Heavy, by Birdtalker. I don't know anything else about this band, but I could listen to Heavy forever.

3. Something I'm grateful for...
I got to go on a little weekend getaway with some women from church this past weekend, and it was just the kind of refreshing self care that I needed: friend time, alone time, conversation, laughing, eating, etc. I am so, so grateful that I was able to go. Shout out to my husband and in-laws for making it possible!

4. A little inspiration...

Go, sit upon the lofty hill,
And turn your eyes around
Where waving woods and waters wild
Do hymn an autumn sound.
The summer sun is faint on them -
The summer flowers depart -
Sit still - as all transform'd to stone,
Except your musing heart.

                                      ~excerpt from "The Autumn", by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Everything you need to know about my book release

Hello, internet! Well, it's officially October (Texas weather has yet to get on board), and that means You Again releases in ONE MONTH!!! So I'm going to interrupt our regularly (ha! "regularly") scheduled list of books and music and tv and miscellany to give you some VERY IMPORTANT book info.

First, here are the links to where you can pre-order: at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Second, I'm doing some book signings! First will be a launch party here in Houston on November 7. Get the details at www.amandawatersauthor.com. I'm also in the process of planning a signing in Wilmington, NC in November and Independence, MO in December. If you think you might want to either the North Carolina or Missouri signing, hold off on purchasing a book online and get one the day of the event!

Third, a summary of this book I keep talking about:

Rosalee McDonnell is a 62 year old widow living in the mid-sized city of Riverton, Missouri. Her life is happy, if also a bit quiet and predictable. One fall morning, an unexpected interaction with a neighbor prompts Rosalee to make some new friends and become more social than she’s been in years. It’s at dinner out with some of these new friends when Rosalee runs into George Barnes, her first love, the man who broke her heart at 17, and someone she never thought she’d see again. As she and George reconnect, their friendship puts a strain on Rosalee’s relationship with her grown daughter, and forces her to face her own doubts and desires. In alternating chapters, Rosalee also recalls the summer of 1973 when she and George met and fell in love, the heartbreak that followed, and the unexpected friendship that helped her heart heal. You Again is a sweet love story with a dash of humor, friendship, and a dose of family drama. It's Taylor Swift's "Our Song" meets Under the Tuscan Sun. Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins or Jenny B. Jones.

Now, you might say, "I'm not really a reader." or "I don't read romances." That's ok! We can still be friends. BUT chances are you know a reader, or know someone who reads romances. Send them a link! Buy them a copy! (Christmas is right around the corner) If you're on Facebook, like my author page and share it with your friends. Follow me on Instagram. Go to your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy. All of these are great ways to show a little love....even if it's not the book for you.

You Again isn't the kind of book that's going to change the world. It's a simple story about ordinary people living ordinary lives -- but sometimes, that's just the kind of story we need. Sometimes we need to remember about what it means to love, to laugh, to forgive, to say goodbye, and to try new things. My hope is to put something positive out into the world, a little ray of sunshine.