WELCOME, welcome, especially to those of you I’ve dragged over from my previous email provider. The water’s far warmer here…and turquoise…no sharks.
Before I chat about my new book and reveal the cover, a few notes on what you might expect from this new space:
* See the audio option above, the gray box where it reads Listen to post? I intend on recording a SUPER informal, unedited podcast of sorts that allows me to read my messages aloud and ramble on a bit. Should it work, they’ll also push out to Apple and Spotify as podcast feeds. But you simply push play above for a listen.
* You’ll see about four emails from me a month, though don’t hold me to that. I’ll try to stick to three different themes: (1) Boo’s News, which will cover all things apropos to my novels and me (2) The Shallow End, which covers book, film, and music recommendations and other things that are impacting me in the moment(3) Deep Dives, which will be my essays on writing craft or anywhere else my muse leads. Lately, I’ve been documenting how I bring a book to life. Even if you never wanted to learn how to write, I think you’ll dig the insight and find it a nice companion to my novels.
* I hope you love Substack like I do . You can be involved as much as you like. Read my note in your inbox like usual and be done with it. Or download the app, chat with me, comment and engage with others. I can’t stand most social media. Substack is different. It’s a haven for world-class writing, covering topics from books to music to cooking. You wouldn't believe what other authors you’re going to find here. I finally feel like I’ve found a home.
* You’ll notice a paid tier. Don’t feel obligated. Though some posts and the archive are behind the paywall, I share plenty for free. Think of it as a tip jar, a way to say, “Boo, put more time and energy here. I love and get a lot out of what you’re up to.”
NOW, LET’S TALK NEW BOOK!
I can’t remember a time in my career when I got back the first cover designs and thought, “That’s it! Perfect.” Till now. I knew the moment I saw this one that the team had wonderfully captured my new novel, The English Bookstore in Bologna, which is now up for pre-order on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Here’s the blurb:
Tucked away on a cobblestone street in enchanting Bologna, Italy, is the only English bookstore in the city. It’s owned by prickly Sandy Cooke, who keeps love, and even romantic fiction, at a distance. Her employee, timid and hopelessly optimistic Moira, dreams of transforming the struggling shop into a vibrant community hub. Against the odds, one Bolognese summer, it becomes a haven for fellow expats at their own crossroads.
Bianca is a psychotherapist escaping both a breakdown and withering reviews of her new self-help book. On her heels is her father, George, wrestling with retirement—and regrets. He’s had a few, but the light of his life has always been his daughter. Then there’s Harold, a young and awkward barista from Denver recovering from his first belly-flopping high dive into love. Maybe it’s time for reinvention.
At the only English bookstore in Bologna, paths converge for five damaged souls who discover that healing doesn’t require much—just honest connection and an open heart.
And here you go, the brand-new, not-even-uploaded-anywhere cover:
What do you think, amigos? Sound and look like your cup of tea? You can reply in this email or comment in the app.
See you next time,
boo
