Book Event: Beach Reads Night 2013

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend Princeton’s Library’s Beach Reads Night 2013 and what a night it was! Not even the threat of Tropical Storm Andrea was going to keep me away from attending.

The night was co-sponsored by Chick Lit Central with the lovely Amy Bromberg as moderator. Six fabulous authors were there to not only chat about their latest novels, but also to talk about what they will be reading this summer. The authors in attendance were: Priscille Sibley, author of The Promise of Stardust; Beatriz Williams, author of A Hundred Summers; Lisa Takeuchi, author of Pastors’ Wives; Pamela Redmond, author of The Possibility of You; Christina Baker Kline, author of Orphan Train; and Sally Koslow, author of The Widow Waltz. [Click on titles for synopsis of books courtsey of Goodreads.]

The night was set up like a talk show – Amy would pose a question and the authors would give their answers. Some of the questions included: What do you consider a beach read? What’s on your nightstand right now? What defines Chick Lit? It was fun listening to all the authors share their thoughts.

As of last night, I had only read books by two of the authors – I was lucky to read Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline as part of the She Reads Book Club (click on title for my review). It was the book club pick for May. I have also read an earlier book by Sally Koslow – With Friends Like These (click on title for my review). The other authors were all new to me and I am quite excited to read their new books, along with Sally’s new book. Of course, I ended up buying the books I didn’t have and am hoping to get to them this summer.

After the discussion, the authors were available for book signing and one-on-one chats. It was great speaking with each of them and I had each book signed – my shelf of books signed is almost overflowing! There were also some yummy snacks provided – delicious mini-cupcakes and sorbet created just for evening.

Despite the weather causing a smaller-than-hoped turnout, it was a great event and I will certainly be keeping the Princeton Library on my radar.

So, what’s on your summer reading list? Any of these books or do you have some others? Please share!