by Malena Lott

For much of America, summer is in the rear view mirror. Here in the Midwest some school districts have switched to the year around (short summer, longer fall, winter and spring break) schedule and the rest of us are back next week, even though the temps are still high and mighty.

I’ve had a blast promoting Life’s a Beach this summer, my first literal beach story, but that has meant I haven’t read as much as I’d hoped. At the beginning of the summer I was tracking 2-3 books per week, but the hotter it got, I found myself reading less and skimming more – not the fault of the book as much as my overheated, vexed mind.

Yet, the books kept coming and I’m doing my best to put them in contests and giveaways to help spread the lit love. One such effort is to give away a free book for every 25 new likes on our Book End Babes Facebook page, my author page and the Buzz Books USA page. That keeps my inventory down and keeps the book buzz going.

I’ll post several Books in Bloom posts the rest of the month to catch up on new releases, starting with:

BEFORE EVER AFTER by Samanta Sotto, “a love story that defies the boundaries of time and space to redefine our notion of forever.” (Really excited to dig into this one!) – fiction

LUMINOUS by Dawn Metcalf, about a “typical suburban Latina teen until she unwittingly slips into the world of the Flow.” (Unique premise, engaging writing.) – Young Adult fiction

FORBIDDEN by Tabitha Suzuma, “a love this devastating has no happy ending.” – Young Adult fiction (Well-written and she definitely took on a controversial subject – incest.)

I’m really looking forward to reading (and purchasing) Ann Patchett’s STATE OF WONDER, and Jefferey Euginedes’ THE MARRIAGE PLOT, two books from authors I adore.

Any other books you’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about? Do share!

Chick Lit is Not Dead co-creators Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke
have a new e-book release and are kicking it off with a HUGE ASS (officially titled) giveaway, including an iPad 2 and other prizes.

About the book:
Jordan Daniels and Elle Ryan thought their lives would become less complicated when they walked away from their respective relationships one year ago. But instead, they find themselves vying for a relationship with the same divorced man.

As a spiritual counselor, newly single mother Jordan Daniels makes her living predicting other people’s futures. If only she could foresee her own. A year after filing for divorce from her husband, Kevin, he seems to be the one moving on effortlessly, while Jordan still can’t bring herself to fill his old underwear drawer. But it’s not until Jordan’s polar opposite, Elle steals Kevin’s heart, that Jordan becomes convinced she’ll be replaced both as a wife and a mother to her five-year-old son, Max.

When Elle met Kevin, the last thing she wanted was another relationship. Especially not with a man with baggage-she already had enough of her own. She left her fiancé, Chase right before their wedding to avoid the imminent D word, something she’s convinced runs in her family like a disease. But a year later, she’s no closer to becoming less skeptical about marriage. And despite her attachment to Kevin and his son, when Elle sees just how far Jordan’s willing to go to win Kevin back, Elle starts to question if she should have left Chase in the first place.

In The D Word you’ll walk in the shoes of Jordan and Elle as they discover that sometimes you’re not that different from the person who makes you feel the most insecure.

Praise from other authors:

“‘I’m a huge fan of Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke’s popular blog, and their witty writing translates beautifully into fiction. This is a fun beach book with a lot of heart and charm.” – Sarah Pekkanen, author of THE OPPOSITE OF ME and SKIPPING A BEAT

“Sassy, smart and highly enjoyable, The D Word delivers with Jordan and Elle–endearing and relatable women-in-transition–who you’ll be rooting for all the way to their brand new versions of happily ever after!” -Laura Dave, author of LONDON IS THE BEST CITY IN AMERICA, THE DIVORCE PARTY and THE FIRST HUSBAND

“A thoughtful, witty examination of divorce and the rocky terrain of its complicated and often murky emotional aftermath.” -Amy Hatvany, author of BEST KEPT SECRET

“Reading The D Word is like hanging out with two wonderfully flawed friends who make you laugh even when it seems their worlds are falling apart. Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have captured these women at a crossroads as they struggle to find love, happiness and fulfillment. You’ll laugh, cry, and at times, want to slap some sense into them. But mostly you’ll root for Elle and Jordan because you know them. They’re just like you.” – Irene Zutell, author of PIECES OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Learn more about the contest here.