Summer Reading: Anita Hughes

Nearly a year ago I was asked to read Anita Hughes’ debut novel, Monarch Beach, for a possible cover blurb and I’m so glad I did.  I loved the book.  It was a fantastic story and perfect for summer and I’ve been waiting anxiously for it to hit store shelves so I could recommend Monarch Beach to all my freinds.

I had the chance to spend an afternoon with Anita in Dana Point in July and it was a wonderful afternoon.  We talked books and books and more books, and discussed life and publishing and parenting and I can’t wait for you all to “meet” Anita, too!

Help me welcome Anita to the JaneBlog for a Q&A.  I know you’ll love her, and her first book!

*Anita, what’s your favorite time of the day and place to write?

I love to write first thing in the morning. I think up the next day’s writing right before I go to bed, so it is fresh in my mind when I wake up. I like to write on the love seat in my bedroom. It has a view of the golf course and it is very peaceful. When I get stuck, I look up and watch the bunnies in our garden!

*Your new book, Monarch Beach, is in stores now.  What’s the feedback been like from fans so far?

I love that readers have really connected with the characters in MONARCH BEACH. I have gotten a lot of requests for a sequel – people want to see what happens next for Amanda. I also love that they recognize Amanda’s support system: her mother, Grace and her best friend, Stephanie. These characters are very important to me and it is wonderful to see that they are important to my readers as well.

*What’s your next project?

My next book is called MARKET STREET and it will be released on March 26th, 2013. I love MARKET STREET because it has two wonderful female characters with a very close friendship. I love exploring female friendships like Amanda and Stephanie’s in MONARCH BEACH. MARKET STREET is set in San Francisco and has a gorgeous cover!

*What’s your all-time favorite movie or book?

I am a huge fan of Penny Vincenzi. She is a British author who writes wonderful, super thick books crammed with fascinating characters. When I start one of her books, I put everything else aside. And she never disappoints – every one of her books is fabulous.

*You’re going on vacation and can only choose one of two destinations.  Would you pick a Safari in Africa or Cruise in the Caribbean?

Definitely a Cruise in the Caribbean. I love to talk to people and on a cruise you meet people from all over the world. Plus, I’m not opposed to some serious pampering and a cruise is a great place to get massages, eat gourmet food, shop in fabulous stores. Having the ocean outside your window would make it absolutely heaven!

*You’re planning a girls night out with friends.  Would you pick an nightclub so you can all let your hair down or a fun, cozy dinner at a nice restaurant?

I would pick a cozy dinner at a nice restaurant. I love to chat – to find out what is going on in my friends’ lives and you can’t do that in a nightclub. My favorite restaurant has a view of the ocean. You can sit on the balcony and watch the sunset, and when it gets chilly they turn on the heat lamps. It is the perfect place to catch up over a delicious dessert.

*Name 3 – 5 books you’ve read this year.  Which ones would you recommend to your girlfriends?

I have read and loved The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch, Overseas by Beatriz Chantill Williams and WIFE – 22 by Melanie Gideon. I would highly recommend all three.

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Thank you, Anita, for joining us today.  Readers, you can find out more about Anita and her books on her website, http://www.anitahughesbooks.com.

For a chance to win a copy of Anita’s wonderful debut novel (tucked into a colorful summer tote bag perfect for the beach along with other fun goodies) talk to me!  What books have you read lately that you’d recommend to your girlfriends?  Or is there a book one of your girlfriends has been recommending to you? Share with me and you might win!  Contest runs through Friday night, with the winner being announced Saturday morning.  Best of luck and happy reading!

PS  Anita and I are going to be doing a booksigning together September  19th at Warwick’s in La Jolla, California, so if you live in San Diego County and are free, come see us at Warwick’s and hang out with us for awhile!!

 

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