Straight from the Library: Straight Chatting from the Library: Songs for Lucy by Philip Wilson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Philip Wilson will be awarding a signed paperback copy of the book to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

READ THE INTERVIEW

What is your favorite book today? Outside of my own books, I’d probably say Exile by Richard North Patterson.

Tell us about your current book in 10 words. Young woman, terminal diagnosis, dreams destroyed, finding peace and fulfilment.

What are you reading right now? I’m part way through The Rooster Bar by John Grisham (I liked his earlier stuff better though), The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware and a non-fiction book on a particular area of mathematics than intrigues me. I probably only finish half of the books I start.

E-Reader or print? and why? No strong preference, but generally I prefer e-reader for light fiction and print for anything more complex.

Dog-ear or bookmark? (don't worry—Librarian Judith won't hold it against you—much.) Why? Neither. If I can’t remember the page number I just guess where I was.

Favorite book you've read this year? Leonardo Da Vinci by Isaacson. He’s also written biographies of Ben Franklin, Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein. Heard Isaacson interviewed once. He made the intriguing comment that of the four subjects, he believed only Einstein had a truly superior intellect, and the other three achieved greatness through curiosity, perseverance and a willingness to question established beliefs – attributes he believed we can all apply.

Favorite place to read? It varies, but when I’m reading or writing, I’m most often sitting on the couch. At my place in Florida, there are quite a few places I enjoy reading – both inside and outside.

Favorite genre? Most frequently I read fiction thrillers although my interests are pretty varied including a lot of non-fiction.

Keep books or give them away? Give them away.

READ THE BLURB

It’s spring, and Allison Connelly has it all – pretty, popular and smart. With a summer job teaching tennis and starting Harvard Law School in the fall, Allison plans on a successful law career, marriage and kids – and dreams of becoming a Supreme Court Justice.

When relentless headaches drive her to her doctor, Allison receives a terrifying diagnosis that destroys her plans and imperils her life. Devastated, Allison struggles to accept her shattered dreams and uncertain future. One night, she happens into a small-town pub and, on a whim, takes a job singing, finding solace and a measure of peace in her music. She settles in the town, and from that small beginning finds love, a new life and a new reason for living.

READ AN EXCERPT

The town of Mackenzie Cove was situated on a quiet natural harbor, also called Mackenzie Cove, and protected from the open ocean by cliffs on all sides. On the western point of land marking one side of the harbor entrance stood the lighthouse where Terri and Allison had met. The Seawind Tavern stood just back from the beach at the foot of the bay. There was no wind but the sky was blue and the air was warm. The harbor and the ocean beyond were dotted with paddleboarders and kayakers. The three of them found a table on the patio just up from the beach.

“It’s beautiful,” Allison commented as they sat down and admired the view. “We should come back some time. Maybe we can rent a kayak somewhere.”

“I’m in,” Terri replied.

A waiter came to take their drink order. Tanned and fit, he looked to be in his late twenties. He wore jean shorts and a T-shirt with a picture of a sailboat. “Hi ladies. I’m Jack.” He gave them a sparkling smile. “Welcome to the Seawind Tavern. What can I get for you?”

They all ordered beer. “If you guys are here for lunch, I’d recommend the cod burger,” Jack volunteered. “Freshly caught this morning. Anyway, have a look at the menu. I’ll be back with the beer.”

As Jack walked away, Allison caught herself glancing at his butt.

“I saw that, girl,” Terri laughed. “You’re not dead yet.”

“Just wishful thinking at this point, I guess,” Allison replied, a little sheepishly.

MEET THE AUTHOR