Not working on books for a while is scarily, seductively addictive. Wait, did I say that in the last post? If I did, I blame it on my sun-muddled brain. As I write this, I’m on a trip/vacation home to Osoyoos, in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley — our own Napa of the North. And thankfully, minus the wildfires of last year. (Although this area is unscathed this time around, I’m thinking of the other areas affected.)
This week has consisted of days of lazing on the beach, reading Paris-based romance novels, and reading. Basking in my parents’ beautiful back yard in the sauna-like heat. (I’m loving it!) Writing poetry like it’s coming out of my pores.
Don’t get me wrong: the real world’s trying to get me. Apparently a girl can’t take a week off without some responsibility or other chasing her down. Ugh. But with only a day and a half left, I’ve chosen to keep basking until I head home. All that other stuff? It can wait.
One of my poems this week is called “The art of doing nothing,” and I’m taking my own words to heart.
How’s your summer going? What are you going to do to make the most of what’s left of August?
Thrifting
Speaking of reading, I’m pretty happy with my pre-trip thrift store book finds, if I do say so myself. 📚 Great options for my vacation. See the Paris titles I came home with.
A Year of Summer
On August 1, I met with the team from Okanagan Publishing House in Kelowna, and I’m so excited that things are moving full steam ahead with my next novel, A Year of Summer. Release date coming soon!
Fan Love
So, not only did I get to meet The ADHD Witch in person and sign her copy of Provenance Unknown, but she also brought me handmade, gorgeous gifts from her shop! (Those bat earrings 🦇 👀). She’s an awesome, lovely, and talented person, so be sure to check out her spooky, witchy, gothy, nerdy, and fandom jewelry on her Instagram page.
Sooo cool to connect in the real world!
Coming Soon
I had a great meeting this month with She Rises Studios! They’re the publisher who purchased Sands Press (my first publisher). Watch for exciting Provenance Unknown news coming soon. 😃
Les Bouquinistes
Hey, BookBub — you missed one!
Recently, BookBub put out their ultimate list of books set in Paris. I’ll definitely be adding some titles to my reading list, but I think Provenance Unknown, with its fun and frivolity in Paris, could make the cut here. Just sayin’ 😉
But for now …
Thanks to Inspirelle for recommending this month’s book on their social media back in May. I’ve been waiting to share it with you! I haven’t been able to read it yet, though, so if you have, please reply with your review and let me know what you thought.
Jacqueline in Paris, by Ann Mah
From the bestselling author of The Lost Vintage, a rare and dazzling portrait of Jacqueline Bouvier’s college year abroad in postwar Paris, an intimate and electrifying story of love and betrayal, and the coming-of-age of an American icon – before the world knew her as Jackie.
In September 1949 Jacqueline Bouvier arrives in postwar Paris to begin her junior year abroad. She’s twenty years old, socially poised but financially precarious, and all too aware of her mother’s expectations that she make a brilliant match. Before relenting to family pressure, she has one year to herself far away from sleepy Vassar College and the rigid social circles of New York, a year to explore and absorb the luminous beauty of the City of Light. Jacqueline is immediately catapulted into an intoxicating new world of champagne and châteaux, art and avant-garde theater, cafés and jazz clubs. She strikes up a romance with a talented young writer who shares her love of literature and passion for culture – even though her mother would think him most unsuitable.
But beneath the glitter and rush, France is a fragile place still haunted by the Occupation. Jacqueline lives in a rambling apartment with a widowed countess and her daughters, all of whom suffered as part of the French Resistance just a few years before. In the aftermath of World War II, Paris has become a nest of spies, and suspicion, deception, and betrayal lurk around every corner. Jacqueline is stunned to watch the rise of communism – anathema in America, but an active movement in France – never guessing she is witnessing the beginning of the political environment that will shape the rest of her life—and that of her future husband.
Evocative, sensitive, and rich in historic detail, Jacqueline in Paris portrays the origin story of an American icon. Ann Mah brilliantly imagines the intellectual and aesthetic awakening of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, and illuminates how France would prove to be her one true love, and one of the greatest influences on her life.
As always, thanks for reading. Merci!
Sonia
Sonia Nicholson 