Because A STORIED LIFE is self-published, it really depends on reviews and word of mouth recommendations. Without the backing of a publisher, it's not likely to be sold in a bookstore or available at a library unless someone requests it.

Which is why I am over the moon whenever someone tells me they requested A STORIED LIFE at their library!

This post will serve as an on-going list of libraries that have it available. If your library decides to carry it, please let me know and I'll add it to the list. 

Most libraries have an option for requesting books through their websites. I do this all the time with my library! A STORIED LIFE is also on Overdrive so you can request it as an ebook too.

Huge thanks to @redcanoereader for tagging me in her Instagram Story the other day and letting me know my novel is now at the Naperville Public Library! This is only a town over from where I grew up and I cannot get over it being there. It has library stickers on it and everything!

 

 

Illinois

Batavia Public Library - Batavia

Naperville Public Library - Naperville

 

 

Michigan

Kent District Library - Grand Rapids and surrounding suburbs

 

 

Minnesota

Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis and Hennepin County suburbs

Ramsey County Library 

 

 

New Jersey

Burlington County Public Library - Westampton

 

 

Ohio

Columbiana Public Library - Columbiana 

 

 

Oklahoma

Metropolitan Library System - Oklahoma City

 

 

Pennsylvania

Bucks County Free Library 

 

 

Tennessee

Nashville Public Library - Nashville

 

 

Wisconsin

La Crosse County Library 

 

 

The Late Bloomers' Club - Louise Miller

 

My Review - 5 Stars

This may only be Louise Miller’s second novel but let the record reflect: if she’s writing it, I’m reading it. I feel right at home in the contemporary worlds she creates. The Guthrie townspeople we met in The City Baker’s Guide To Country Living feel like old friends so I was delighted we got to return in The Late Bloomers’ Club. The books are standalone but I love when authors set their novels in the same universe and allow readers to hunt for Easter eggs from book to book.

Nora runs the diner her parents started. It’s not just her job. It’s her identity. Her whole life is oriented around it, even the dream she set to the side. She is a steady presence, always taking care of everyone else.

Her sister Kit, on the other hand, is a wild spirit. She left town to pursue her dreams and hasn’t looked much back. 

When Peggy the Cake Lady dies and unexpectedly leaves her house to Nora and Kit, the sisters are split on what to do about it. Nora is drawn to the house and the land and wants to protect Guthrie from HG, the corporation that wants to build a superstore there. Kit, however, wants to sell so the money can fund her film. 

If there’s a Rorschach test based on which sister you prefer, consider me Team Nora. It’s not so much that Nora and I have a ton in common but my heart really went out to her as she dealt with disappointments and dreams deferred and the way she wanted more for her life but somehow settled for less.

In the middle of all this friction and difficult decisions, Nora is keeping an eye out for Peggy’s dog Freckles who went missing after Peggy’s accident. She’s also spending time with Elliot, the HG representative who isn’t quite as corporate as she expected.

The beauty of this story lies in the characters. They are fully realized: charming, quirky, hopeful, cynical, wry, dour, kind, compassionate. Sometimes all at once. Nora and Kit are opposites who share a foundation. Charlie and Fern at the diner who are more like Nora’s family. All the townspeople in their glory. Kit’s boyfriend Max pretty much stole the show for me, from his leading ladies tattoos to his Zenisms to his enthusiasm for baking even though he’s vegan. 

I loved watching Nora figure out what to do about the house and in turn, her life. The inheritance forces her to ask herself some hard questions and Kit’s return forces them both to face the past. It really made me think about how we form our identity and the ways life can shift our passions and interests. But mostly, I was lost in the twists and turns of Nora’s unfolding days as she searches for Freckles, runs the diner, and figures out what she feels for Elliot. 

This was a well-written, lovely story. It pulled on my heartstrings and the ending left me with a profound sense of satisfaction. I don’t know if Miller will return to Guthrie in her next novel but for now, I can rest knowing the townsfolk are doing the best they can and taking care of one another in the process.

 

Instagram Giveaway

Click on the photo for entry details.

 

 

Synopsis

A delightful novel about two headstrong sisters, a small-town's efforts to do right by their community, and the power of a lost dog to conjure up true love

Nora, the owner of the Miss Guthrie diner, is perfectly happy serving up apple cider donuts, coffee, and eggs-any-way-you-like-em to her regulars, and she takes great pleasure in knowing exactly what's "the usual." But her life is soon shaken when she discovers she and her younger, free-spirited sister Kit stand to inherit the home and land of the town's beloved cake lady, Peggy Johnson.

Kit, an aspiring--and broke--filmmaker needs to generate funding for her latest project, and is particularly keen when they find out Peggy was in the process of selling the land to a big-box developer before her death. The people of Guthrie are divided--some want the opportunities the development will bring, while others are staunchly against any change--and they aren't afraid to leave their opinions with their tips.

Time is running out, and the sisters need to make a decision soon. But Nora isn't quite ready to let go of the land, complete with a charming farmhouse, an ancient apple orchard and clues to a secret life that no one knew Peggy had. 
Troubled by the conflicting needs of the town, and confused by her growing feelings towards Elliot, the big-box developer, Nora throws herself into solving the one problem that everyone in town can agree on--finding Peggy's missing dog, Freckles.

When a disaster strikes the diner, the community of Guthrie bands together to help her, and Nora discovers that doing the right thing doesn't always mean giving up your dreams.

 

Buy The Book Here:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

(Amazon is giving $5 off your $20 book purchase with the code PRIMEBOOKS18.)

Disclosure: I received an advance copy from Pamela Dorman Books in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links included in this post.

Book release bouquets 

June 2018 will forever go down as one of the most magical months of my life. My debut novel A STORIED LIFE went out into the world! I'm officially a novelist and also officially researching my next book. The reviews have been really positive and nothing beats hearing how much my story has resonated with someone. It's even better than I dreamed!

 

Read and Reading 

Susanna Kearsley’s novels build in the loveliest ways. I loved the way The Rose Garden examined Eva’s grief after the death of her sister and the way her found family took care of her. Plus, time travel! And intrigue! And a tea house that I wish was real so I could visit! Every part of this novel just plain worked for me.

 

I inhaled The Kiss Quotient! Could not put it down. Definitely a favorite contemporary romance of 2018! I just adored this one. It gave me so many feels. I still can’t believe this was Helen Hoang’s debut! I loved how she built her story. Stella and Michael were incredibly endearing characters. I loved how kind they were to one another and how they looked out for each other. Autistic econometrician heroine and Vietnamese-Caucasian escort hero- what’s not to love about this set up?! They have so much to teach one another. (Note: I’m neurotypical so I can't speak to the autism representation but this is an #ownvoices book.) 

 

Stalking Jack The Ripper (Maniscalco) lived up to all the buzz! I raced through this novel in a few hours, all because of the incomparable Audrey Rose. I loved that she cared about forensics as much as she cared about quality dresses. They’re not mutually exclusive and caring about how you look isn’t a negative, as she capably demonstrated. The mystery itself was creepy in the best ways- albeit bloodier than my typical books- and made me very glad I don’t live in Victorian-era London. The twists and turns kept me captivated, even though I guessed the big twist. It was such a compelling read, especially because of the character development and the way Audrey Rose chafed against societal expectations while defying them. However, as much as I loved Audrey Rose, I often wanted to strangle her. If there’s a serial killer on the loose, you don’t go to strange neighborhoods by yourself! I know it’s the title of the book but trying to actually stalk Jack the Ripper, especially on one's own, is more than a little naive and reckless. Still, I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see what more develops in her relationship with that dreamboat Thomas.

 

Librarian romance is my catnip! Bad Bachelor (London) was a fun and surprisingly moving read. It’s not perfect (heads up for bi-erasure) but it was filled with quirky, well-developed characters and backstories that made me want to know more. Reed and Darcy’s banter was on point (always the key to my heart) and I loved watching them go from reluctant colleagues to something more. I couldn’t put it down! 

 

 

My reading goal for 2018 is to read a good chunk of my unread books. I decided not to make a TBR stack for June and I have to say the freedom to read whatever unread shelf book I want really agrees with me. I'm not going to designate a TBR stack for July either. Why not?

 

You can see all the books I've read at Goodreads. 

Currently reading: This Is Where You Belong (Warnick), Hot Mess (Belden), The Library: A Catalogue Of Wonders (Kells),  The Line Becomes A River: Dispatches From The Border (Cantú), Unclaimed (Milan), Children Of Blood And Bone (Adeyemi), Visions Of Heat (this PNR series is so good on audiobook!)

 

TV

The second season of Queer Eye is here! I've watched two episodes so far, which means I'm two for two on Episodes That Made Me Cry.

I started watching the comedy special Nanette on Netflix. I've been hearing such good things and I'm really impressed so far. I just need more time to watch! 

   

Music:  

Bad Wolves' cover of Zombie is giving me so much life.

Listen to the What I'm Into playlist.

 

 

Podcasts:

Sarah MacLean had two great interviews in support of her new book Wicked And The Wallflower, which I cannot wait to read. Listen to her on The Wicked Wallflowers Club and Heaving Bosoms.

I loved Zoraida Córdova's episode on Write Or Die! I'm a big fan of her Brooklyn Brujas series, which I read this past month. She's also an amazing romance writer.

Really grateful for Pantsuit Politics and their coverage of the families separated at the border.

Pop Culture Happy Hour had a thoughtful episode about Anthony Bourdain's death by suicide. (It's the second half of the Tony Awards And Remembering Anthony Bourdain episode.)

The oh so darling Lucy Parker was on Smart Podcast Trashy Books! It was so fun to hear her voice and learn more about her writing inspiration. She is a delight to follow on Twitter, FYI.

The Bias Series from Smartest Person In The Room has made for interesting listening and I would encourage you to listen to the whole thing if you haven't already. I thought Episode 34: Stop Saying "Down There" was especially compelling.

 

 

Highlights:  

• I won a giveaway for Caraval, which I've been meaning to read for ages, and an ARC of Legendary from Paper Fury, one of my favorite bookstagram accounts. I can't wait to read them!

 

• Drinks on Marijke's porch. Great conversation and the weather was perfect!

 

• I went back to my hometown in the Chicago suburbs for book release week, which was one of my best decisions. Since I can work from anywhere, I might as well work there! 

• I saw Dhonielle Clayton, Zoraida Córdova, Samira Ahmed, and EK Johnston at Anderson's Bookshop. I loved The Belles, Labyrinth Lost, and Love, Hate & Other Filters, and I was thrilled to have Zoraida sign my copy of Bruja Born and then Samira signed my copy of LHAOF. It was such a great event!

 

• Running into Laura and Junice at Starbucks! I was taking advantage of the wifi and getting work done when who should appear at my table?! It was so fun catching up.

 

• Traditional dinner at Portillo's. Even though there's a location or two in the Twin Cities now, I swear it's just better at home.

 

• Pangaea Joy tea at Cafe K'Tizo. I love the sunny colors of the teapots and this was a delicious chocolatey coconut tea to try!

• Book Release Day!!! This was such a magical day. I wore my dress from Eshakti, which I adored. (The dresses are customizable and have pockets, y'all!) I went to Cafe K'Tizo in the morning and got my pot of tea while I caught up on all the social media mentions and promo stuff. I still cannot get over how the bookstagram and romance communities supported me that day. Plus, all my friends were posting about it. It was so much more than I ever could have hoped for! 

 

• My best friend Erin and her kids took me out for lunch at Front Street Cantina...but at the Naperville location, since our usual location closed under strange circumstances. Same menu though so I got my usual burrito and was happy as can be. Then I stopped in at Adagio Tea and picked up some Irish Breakfast tea, since it was on the same block.

• Laura, Ellie, and Donna took me out to dinner at Cellar Bistro. We toasted to the book and laughed loud and covered every topic under the sun. It was the best way to celebrate!

• There has been so much positive feedback for A STORIED LIFE! Thank you to everyone who has let me know they've enjoyed reading it. If you wouldn't mind, would you take a minute to leave a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or any retailer that carries it? Reviews go so far in helping authors, especially self-published authors like me. Your review, positive or negative, only needs to be a sentence or two and it makes a big difference!

 

• People are telling me they've requested my novel from their library and their libraries are actually ordering it!! This makes me downright giddy. I'm going to put together a blog post soon listing the libraries I know about so please let me know if your library has it.

 

• Browsing at Prairie Path Books.

• Burger Social with Heather. She got me balloons! It was so much fun to catch up. Plus, they have the best Old Fashioneds there.

 

• Mago with Megan. Amazing tableside guacamole and I got a tequila mojito that was perfection. Always so good to see my MFC!

 

• Cornerstone Used Books. I got into trouble but there were so many books I've been needing to own and wanting to read!

 

• My hair stylist remembered that my novel was going to be published. She must take notes on her clients or something! I was so touched when she asked about it.

• My dear friend Karin, whom I've known since we were freshman in high school, took me out for lunch at Good Earth and then we went to see the play Underneath The Lintel at Latte Da Theater in Minneapolis to celebrate my book release. It was a great, funny play about a librarian! Unexpectedly meaningful too. Then we got iced tea at Spyhouse Coffee. It was such a wonderful time. She is such a thoughtful friend!

 

• Highly recommend Lanolips Multipurpose Superbalm if you struggle with chapped lips. It has made a HUGE difference in the past couple of months.

   

    

Favorite Instagram:

Breaking News: Woman Takes Library Books With Her On Vacation

Look. Until April I had NEVER traveled with library books and although there are some horror stories out there, many people thought this was silly so I threw caution to the wind and took one on my trip. Which I didn’t even get the chance to read but whatever. The point is the book was fine and I was fine. 

This time around I’m filling my beloved @overduepod tote with not one but three library books because I am wild and carefree! 😂 I’m heading to my hometown to celebrate my book release (ah!!!!!!!) and I cannot wait to be with my people. Do you travel with library books??

Joining @simoneandherbooks to share #awildbookishlife.

 

(If you want to follow me on Instagram, my user name is leighkramer.)

 

On The Blog:

Welcome To The World, A Storied Life!

 

 

What I'm Into Link Up Guidelines:

1. This link-up will stay open for one week. The next What I'm Into link up will be Wednesday August 1. 

2. Link the unique URL of your post, not your blog's home page. Readers peruse link ups months after the fact and you want to make it easy for them to find your What I'm Into post.

3. Please include the What I'm Into button or mention you're linking up with What I'm Into at Leigh Kramer.

4. Visit at least 2 other posts in the linkup!

 

 

 

 

What have you been into this month? 

Disclosure: Affiliate links included in this post. If you click through, any purchase you make supports this site.