Summer of Festivals (and a Little Peace & Quiet)

Happy Tuesday, y’all,

For the past ten years, my husband and I have usually planned a big vacation every summer. The kind with months of planning, packed schedules, and the inevitable “we need a vacation after our vacation” feeling by the end of it.

This year, though, we’re doing something completely different: we’re calling it the Summer of Festivals.

Instead of one giant trip, we’re leaning into smaller adventures close to home—local festivals, concerts, food fairs, and all the little things we usually rush past. No airports. No overstuffed itineraries. Just a slower, quieter summer together.

And honestly? That sounds pretty perfect right now.

This past weekend we attended one nearby and had a blast listening to live music and eating BBQ from a food truck.

I’m also giving myself permission to slow down creatively in the best possible way.

That means:

• Working on my next book without constantly feeling rushed

• Reading in the courtyard with a cup of coffee

• Maybe claiming a pool chair for an afternoon or two

• Finally tackling the absolutely ridiculous TBR pile that has taken over my life

At this point, my TBR list isn’t really a list anymore. It’s more of a lifestyle.

A quieter summer feels like exactly what I need. More writing. More reading. More time with my husband. More appreciation for the simple moments.

While I’m trying to shrink my TBR, I’m probably about to make yours bigger.

Be sure to check out these two reader promos featuring plenty of books to fill your summer reading list:

• Free Steamy Romance Group Promo — packed with free books and swoon-worthy summer romances.

• Science Fiction and Fantasy Group Promo — discover new authors and your next binge-worthy read in places not-of-this world.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, there’s bound to be something you’ll love.

Are you taking a big vacation this year, planning a staycation, or embracing a slower pace like we are?

I’d love to hear what your summer looks like, and if you’re working through a mountain-sized TBR pile too, know that you’re not alone.

Wishing you a summer full of great books, sunshine, and moments worth remembering.

Happy reading,

Lynn

P.S. If anyone has figured out how to read books faster than they buy them, please share your secrets. My TBR pile and I are in a very one-sided relationship. 😉