Summer 2024
Books, Books, and More Books!

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“Some women have a weakness for shoes…I can go barefoot if necessary. I have a weakness for books.”—Oprah Winfrey

Welcome to a special summer edition of the Bloom Where You Are Planted Wellness Newsletter where we’re talking nothing but books!

Whether you’re looking for the perfect poolside escape, a read-with-the-lights-on-thriller, or something more introspective, I’ve got you covered.

Back in college, children’s literature was one of my favorite classes, and being a book-loving grandparent has drawn me toward that genre even more. I love nothing more than seeing the look of wonder and awe on my grandchildren’s faces when we sit down to read together. And there are so many benefits to reading to children: the kiddos are building language skills they don’t even yet know about, and you’re each reaping the rewards of the rich emotional connection reading together offers, and that’s just for starters. To that end, I’ve included a “bonus” section at the end of the newsletter with some children’s book recommendations (and one for parents, too!).

Over the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know several of the writers whose books are featured on this list, and I love talking with them about their writing process. (I count these connections as one of the greatest perks of what I do.) While fiction writers have always been my heroes, I also have tremendous respect for memoir writers who give readers the gift of their vulnerability.

If you have a favorite summer read this season, let me know! I’d be happy to share them with our Bloom Where You Are Planted community!

Wishing you all the joys that summer has to offer,

Christine

Eliza Starts a Rumor
by Jane L. Rosen

Since Eliza Hunt’s twins left for college, she’s been craving connection and decides to do something a bit unorthodox: she starts a rumor on an online message board. Unbeknownst to Eliza, Olivia—a young mom across town with troubles of her own—thinks the rumor is about her. Add to the mix single mom Alison who is avoiding her own issues by focusing on Olivia’s troubles, and, if that weren’t enough to get readers turning pages, Amanda—Eliza’s childhood friend—returns to town from LA and shakes things up a bit amongst her husband’s #MeToo scandal. OY! And while all these goings-on might sound a bit much for one novel, Jane weaves all of the characters’ narratives effortlessly. The book is a true testament to the power of female friendships, standing up for oneself, and having the courage to face one’s fears. (Fingers crossed for a streaming series!)

I had the pleasure of meeting Jane at the New Year, New Chapter event in NYC (sponsored by Zibby Media) earlier this year. She approached a group of us who were having lunch in between sessions and asked if she could sit with us (for real). We had a lovely chat, not only about books (of course) but we also shared some laughs about the ins and outs of midlife; I could have talked with her all afternoon. Read more about Jane’s books, including her new release, Seven Summer Weekends, here: Jane L. Rosen

Heart Boss: Trust Your Gut, Shed Your Shoulds, and Create a Life You Love
by Regan Walsh

 I received a copy of Heart Boss in a swag bag from a women's conference I attended last year, and by the end of the first chapter—in which Walsh talks about trusting your gut and rediscovering your passion—I knew that this was more than your typical women’s “self-help” book. Walsh—an executive and life coach—helps women lead lives that “sizzle” and shows them how to get off the "I'm so exhausted" hamster wheel in realistic, optimistic, and supportive ways, so much so that I wished this book had been around decades ago.

With advice on how to listen better and multitask worse (yes, you read that right), control the pace of our lives, and define what happiness really means, Walsh helps readers remove the roadblocks that we have constructed for ourselves, and be “exactly who we are.” Amen. Learn more about Regan Walsh here: Regan Walsh

I Want You More
by Swan Huntley

Aspiring author Zara Pines would rather sleep the summer away following the death of her father (and learning she won’t be inheriting her childhood home as expected) but the universe has other plans: a ghostwriting gig at the East Hampton home of celebrity chef Jane Bailey. What seems like a dream job for most writers feels initially like torture for Zara, as she needs to press pause on a budding relationship and move into a stranger’s beach house for the summer to take the gig (there are worse things, right?). But when Zara leans into this new arrangement—and her new desires—readers will be enthralled, eagerly wanting to know (no pun intended here) “more.”

It was a real treat meeting Swan Huntley earlier this year at Zibby Media’s New Year, New Chapter event where I got a sneak peek of I Want You More’s captivating cover and had a lovely chat with Swan. She was kind enough to arrange for an Advance Reader Copy for me, and shortly after I started it, I knew this complex thriller would make the list. Learn about Swan and her other books here: Swan Huntley

One Big Happy Family
by Jamie Day (Publication date: July 16, 2024)

Fans of The Block Party unite: Jamie Day has done it again. In fact, he may have outdone himself this time with One Big Happy Family. Where The Block Party focused on the secrets and lies in a suburban neighborhood, OBHF delves into family secrets, specifically those of the Bishop sisters, each with a past as cagey as they are. When the sisters meet up at the Maine hotel owned by their late father to claim their inheritance, it’s one thing after another as their secrets come to light and the worst hurricane to hit the area makes its descent. Couple this with the hotel’s chambermaid who’s harboring a guest with secrets of her own and you’ve got an indisputable page-turner.

I tore through my Advance Reader Copy (thank you, St. Martin’s Press!) while on vacation this past spring. Mark your calendars for July 16 and grab yours from your favorite independent bookseller. (To read my review of Jamie’s debut novel, The Block Party, check out my CoveyClub Summer Reading Roundup 2023)

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
by Deepak Chopra

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of seeing Deepak Chopra at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey, and while I left feeling as if I needed a degree in metaphysics to fully grasp the depth of his presentation, I did leave more enlightened than when I walked in. This experience prompted me to reread The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and it was interesting to see which passages I had highlighted when I first read it (in the early aughts), compared to 20 years later.

At just over 100 pages, the book is a quick primer on Chopra’s “life-altering perspective” on attaining success, which—according to the alternative medicine advocate, author, and Buddhist—is “the ability to fulfill your desires with effortless ease.” I was most drawn to the sixth spiritual law—The Law of Detachment—which basically says that to acquire anything, you have to relinquish your attachment to it. Let’s just say I’m a work in progress on this one. (To find out more about Chopra’s STOP meditation, read my article, 3 Meditation Techniques for a Happier, Healthier You.)

A House Party in Tuscany: Recipes, Stories and Art from Arniano
by Amber Guinness

“A celebration of 30 years of cooking and hosting” at The Arniano Painting School in Tuscany, this book adorns my kitchen table (along with Guinness’ Italian Coastal: Recipes and Stories from Where the Land Meets the Sea) and is a collection of 75 recipes that Guinness has grown up with and perfected over the years.

With an extensive introduction and dreamy photographs, this book will provide all the inspiration you’ll need to pull off an effortless celebration, not only this summer but year-round. While Guinness was born in London, she grew up in Tuscany (lucky girl!) and founded The Arniano Painting School, a residential painting course and immersive art and food experience.

Do yourself a favor this summer and prepare Guinness’ Watermelon Cocktail and lose yourself in A House Party in Tuscany. I guarantee before you’ve finished  you’ll want to book your trip to Tuscany—as they say in Italian—"Al momento!”

BONUS: Kid Picks!
(And One For Parents)

Plátanos Are Love
Written by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, illustrated by Mariyah Rahman

As a grandmother who’s always on the lookout for engaging, colorful books to read to the kiddos, I fell in love with this one. Plátanos Are Love expresses the importance of plantains in Latin culture, as told through the story of a young girl and her grandmother.  Throughout the story, “Abuela” shares the history of the plantain with her granddaughter (and what this tropical fruit from the banana family means to their culture), along with the importance of sharing family recipes.

With lush illustrations and a Spanish-English glossary in the back, this book is a real treat. Learn more about the author and illustrator here: Plátanos Are Love

Home is Where the Heart Is
Written by Finley Campbell & Megan Campbell, illustrated by Haley Palma

What started as a first-grade project turned into a beautiful hardcover book written by Finley and his mom, Megan as an homage to the city of Easton. (For out-of-towners, the city is home to Crayola’s world headquarters, world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, and was one of only three places in the original colonies to hold a reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776). Easton is well-represented throughout the pages with nods to local culture, the farmers’ market (the oldest, continuous, open-air market in the nation) various parks, and Lafayette College, among other destinations and attractions.

Written in rhyming fashion—and accompanied by Palma’s vibrant illustrations—Finley covers all the bases as he brings readers on a guided tour through his home city and all it has to offer. Learn more about how this book came to be here: Home Is Where The Heart Is

The 7 Days: A Classic Nursery Rhyme Made New
Written by Deborah Burns, illustrated by Cydney Bittner

Deborah is a fellow writer-friend and I take any chance I get to promote her book, not because of our affiliation but rather because of what a brilliant retelling she’s done of the classic 19th-century nursery rhyme “Monday’s Child.” Deborah’s book offers a culturally diverse reboot, noting on its cover that “Every child in the world is born on one of seven days — what does your day say about you?” As readers of the original rhyme may recall, “Wednesday’s Child” was “full of woe,” however in Burns’ retelling, the child is now “worldly and wise.”

With amazingly beautiful watercolor illustrations and a special keepsake section in the back to document a child’s first three years, 7 Days will no doubt please young and old readers alike. To learn more about Deborah—and check out the 7 Days-related merchandise, visit Deborah Burns Author.

For Parents and Caregivers

Mindful With Me: Connecting With Your Child Through Daily Mindfulness
Written by Sarah Dennehy, M.Ed., illustrated by Natalie Garber Martin (Publication date: August 20, 2024)

As someone who has developed a mindfulness program for caregivers, I was thrilled to hear  about Sarah’s mindfulness guide after we connected on LinkedIn through a mutual friend. Suitable for parents, caregivers and teachers, the Mindful’s chapters contain four types of activities: Let’s Pause, Let’s Connect, Let’s Move, and Let’s Create, with most of the activities taking no more than five minutes to complete.

While activities are geared toward children ages four through eight, Sarah notes that they can be modified based on a child’s age and maturity level and can be done with more than one child at a time. She writes, “Practicing mindfulness together just minutes a day can help your child better self-regulate and work through big feelings. In these intentional moments, you can also develop your own mindfulness skills and self-awareness—all while building deep connections with your child.” Telling young children that their breath is “like a superpower” may be just the tool they need to get through a tough time. (I think my favorite type of breathing is what she calls “Ocean Waves.”)

We’ve all heard the expression, “it takes a village” when it comes to child-raising, and in today’s fast-paced world, it’s reassuring to have a valuable resource to help families slow down, reduce their stress level, and above all, connect with each other. Learn more about Sarah and her work here: Create a Mindful Space.

Journaling Workshop: Cultivating Emotional Resilience

There are many benefits to journaling, including boosting our mood and shifting us out of a negative mindset to a positive one. Journaling also helps us nurture our appreciation for life and the people in it. The ability to adapt well to, and bounce back from, hard times—to be resilient—contributes to a healthy and rewarding life.

While this program is ideal for groups, it can also be presented one-on-one. Virtual options are available. For more information—or to bring this program to your group setting—email me at: Christine.Krahling@gmail.com.

Mindfulness and Meditation for Caregivers

If you’re a caregiver, you’ve probably been told more than enough times that you “can’t pour from an empty cup” and that you need “to put your own oxygen mask on first.”
You also know that it’s not easy to take care of yourself while you’re caring for others but on some level, you do know that it’s essential.

In my program, “Mindfulness and Meditation for Caregivers,” I provide an overview of mindfulness, talk about the myths surrounding meditation and how to realistically weave it into your day, and share three simple meditation techniques that you can call upon during stressful times, or anytime. A fun, mindful eating exercise is also included!

While this program is ideal for groups, it can also be presented one-on-one. Virtual options are available. For more information—or to bring this program to your group setting—email me at: Christine.Krahling@gmail.com.

 Other Ways to Work with Me

I’m a developmental editor who also happens to be a kick-ass proofreader and copyeditor. Have you written a book and need someone to polish up your manuscript and provide feedback? Click here.

Interested in hosting an author for a moderated discussion for your organization’s next meeting or event? Click here.  How about someone to present a session on mindfulness? Click here.