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Beach trips. Mountain trails. Picnics. Garden blooms. Porch reads. Don't you must want it all! What's on tap for your summer? I have a to-do list of fun and inspiration to work through.
In fact, my writerly pals and I are looking forward to finding our summertime bliss in the Jump Into Summer Blog Hop. Please be sure to check out the other #Gr8Blogs listed at the end of this post for more summertime inspiration. 
(Photo: Unsplash) Ready, set, jump into summer!
Remembering
Dad was excited about my newest book, Sweet T and the Turtle Team, and we talked about its summer release during our final conversation before he came ill. That's why this special dedication to him means the world to me.
Reading So many great books. So little time to read 'em all! 
The Thing About Jellyfish, by Ali Benjamin I snagged an advance review copy when Jellyfish debuted in 2015 and decided to re-read this middle grad novel. Seventh-grader and nerd girl Suzy Swanson is bereft over the drowning of her best friend, convinced the girl died after being bitten by the deadly Iruksndji jellyfish. Benjamin beautifully combines fascinating marine facts with the challenges of Suzy's angst. This tale of an outcast child who learns to live again is a gotta-read for adults and middle-graders!
The Girl Before, by J.P. Delaney My last great read was suggested as one I’d like after Girl on a Train. No way anything could be more gripping! Well, fasten your seatbelt! Meet Emma and Jane in J. P. Delaney’s The Girl Before. Both women face the common problem of finding affordable housing in London. They find a gorgeous minimalist house for a reasonable rent. The catch: Edward Monkford, the house’s famous architect, is beyond selective about who lives there. And dark things have been known to happen there. The shared narration (Jane is ‘Now;’ Emma’s chapters are titled “Then”), flip-flops between times when the renters stay in the house. What happens to them during their residence in Monkton's tech-controlled, sleek home drives the plot and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Delaney crafts sharp plot twists, and her ending blew me away. You will not guess it! Watching  Dr. Who's Companion, Bill (photo: denofgeeks.com)
Love, love, love Disney’s Beauty and the Beast remake, starring Hermoine Granger. And who knew blue-eyed-hottie Beast Matthew from Downtown Abbey could sing like that? I’m grateful for new eps of Dr. Who. What do you think of Bill, the Doctor’s new companion? I adore her. Hmmmm. Wonder who the new Doctor will be after #12 bows out at the end of this season. Anticipating Sweet T and the Turtle Team Coming Summer 2017
The perfect Kid Lit beach book for early & reluctant readers:
secrets, an approaching storm, and baby sea turtles in danger challenge Sweet T as she summers on Gull Island.
Sweet T and the gang are back in Sweet T and the Turtle Team, my third book in the Sweet T Tale Series. You'll meet new characters from Gull Island, T's Great Aunt Mae and her neighbor, Billy Worth. (I promised the Boys' Book Club I'd add a lad to my stories <smiling here>). Yep, Fuzzy returns, too, and he gets tangled up with new "friends" of his own.
Turtle Team is on track for its 21 July debut online as an e-book and in print at your fave bookstores. Stay tuned for details here. Slip on your flip flops and catch the waves.... please click below for a 60-second video preview of Sweet T and the Turtle Team on YouTube. Making Me Happy  Newest nephew-not bias but he's so cute!
In the last six months, I’ve been a great-auntie TWICE!
A boy in November and A girl in March. That makes FOUR new nieces and nephews, all two years of age and younger, welcomed into our fold in the past two years. Lucky me to be blessed with such a family! Seeing in My Camera Lens
Experimenting with my digital camera is one of my fave creative outlets. I'm always looking for ways to notch up my skills. Learned tons at a macrophotography workshop at J. C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC, and met kind shutterbugs who shared their tips.
I’m drawn to the beauty of nature and country gardens. I had an opportunity to capture both subjects during a trip through Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and Pennsylvania to visit family. Find More Summertime Inspiration
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my awesome bloggers buddies, a group of talented writers scattered around the globe. You’ll discover more ideas and smiles for finding your summertime bliss (or WINTERtime bliss, in the case of Australian author, Sandra Bennett -:D).
#Gr8Blogs: Jump into Summertime Blog Hop
Auden Johnson Carmela Dutra James Milson Julie Gorges Sandra Bennett Tracy Byran Your Turn!
What are you CURRENTLY looking forward to this summer? Grand plans? Keeping close to home with a stay-cation? Adding books on your summer to-read list? Please share in the comment section.
btw, Bloggers….join us on this Jump Into Summer 2017 Blog Hop! Just add your family-friendly link below in the comment section. We’ll visit your blog and give you some blog love. And if you add the hashtag #Gr8Blogs, we'll support you when you post on social media.
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Join the fun; join my tribe! Updates - Special Offers - Fun Stuff Kids: have a grown-up download your FREE coloring printables from Cat’s books Young at Heart: download your FREE copy of a special Catly short story Driving Down to Dillon: A Tale of Love & New Beginnings
56 Comments
6/1/2017 10:44:41 am
Thoroughly enjoyed your blog, Cat! My heart goes out to you as you begin your journey of healing after the death of your father. 6/5/2017 10:48:44 am
Appreciate your kind words about dad, Julie. It gets easier with time, yet I still often forget and pick up my phone to call him. 6/1/2017 01:34:35 pm
Sending you warm hugs as you continue to heal your loss...so relieved you are writing again and starting to settle back into your life. What a lovely dedication and as you know i just love your dad's nickname! Looks like you are having and anticipating a busy and memorable summer. Perfect timing (and wishing you much success) for your new beach read release and so happy for your happiness of the many new babies you are being blessed! Have a great summer Cat:) 6/5/2017 10:49:48 am
Caught those hugs, Tracy. Healing is a slow process that takes its own course, but I am getting there. Seeing those babies and new life for our family helps me focus on the wonders of life. 6/2/2017 02:23:46 am
Hi Cat, 6/5/2017 10:51:50 am
We DO have the same taste in film and TV, Sandra! I want to see B&B again! Maybe we can virtual watch together -:D. 6/2/2017 11:31:12 am
Great post for your summertime blog hop! Thanks! 6/5/2017 10:53:50 am
Your kind words mean a ton to me, Rosie! Good times always go by too fast. I wish I had a pause button to keep them in my heart longer. You are wise to savor them! 6/4/2017 11:19:01 pm
Hi Cat, 6/5/2017 10:58:00 am
Many thanks for your kind words about dad, Carmela. Healing is a slow process, but I am getting there. 6/4/2017 11:22:00 pm
PS, I too just loved, loved, LOVED the Beauty and the Beast live action film. Saw it in theaters twice. First was date night with the hubby, second was a sing long with my BFF. And yes, we both sang our hearts out. We didn't let it hold us back that no one else in the audience sang with us. Actually, it kind of made it a little more fun that way. 6/5/2017 11:00:14 am
TeeHee....we must have a B&B virtual replay together some day. So impressed that you sang along in the cinema. Must do that next time! DVD is coming out this week, too -:D. 6/4/2017 11:44:17 pm
Love your photos. Most of the flowers are gone in my neighborhood but I had fun during the spring practicing with some macro photography. Now, I just need a macro lens. ;) 6/5/2017 11:03:18 am
Auden, flowers are the best to photograph. I enjoyed two springs this year: one at home in Carolina, and another when we drove north to visit family in Pennsylvania. Double-macro practice. I shot the blog photos with a telephoto lens in a macro perspective. I may be asking you for recommendations on macro lenses -:D. 6/5/2017 10:05:45 am
What a wonderful post, Cat! Reading your descriptions and watching the delightful video trailer, I feel as though I am right there on Gull Island with them already. Love the video and your photography work. Happy Summer! 6/5/2017 11:04:58 am
Awww, it was lovely having you visit us in North Carolina on Gull Island, James. The beach is my fave place, and it's always better with company. Appreciate you stopping by for a visit. 6/5/2017 03:17:22 pm
Spectacular post, Cat and beautiful too! Thanks for the book recommendations. I'm looking forward to Sweet T's adventure as well! As for the summer, lots of day hiking. My niece -- and favorite "Go Buddy"--is visiting and we have lots of places to visit! 6/5/2017 06:54:04 pm
Having a young Go Buddy for visits and adventures is the best, Mari. Enjoy and make lots of memories -:D. Happy tales!
Marti Tabora
7/14/2017 11:11:32 am
Enjoying your blog and looking forward to Sweet T and the Turtle Team. 7/24/2017 06:09:33 am
Hey, Mari! Sweet T and the Turtle Team waving hello here and saying thanks for stopping by -:D.
Natalie
7/14/2017 02:10:50 pm
You are an excellent photographer! I too LOVED Beauty and the Beast, by the way. 7/24/2017 06:11:35 am
Thanks for your feedback....Photography is one way for me to relax and get close to nature, Natalie, and I am always practicing. Belle is my hero!
sihem
7/15/2017 04:44:40 pm
awesome blog
Cat Michaels
7/16/2017 02:51:42 pm
Sihem, there are many bloggers vying for your time, and I truly appreciate your stopping by Cat's Corner.
Cat Michaels
7/16/2017 02:53:39 pm
Natalie, I saw the play and both movie versions. Cannot pick my fave! Lovely connecting with another Disney fan and reader.
Marti Tabora
7/18/2017 05:19:57 am
I was not familiar with The Girl Before until now, but I definitely plan on reading it. It's just the kind of story I like for a new summer read.
Cathy French
7/19/2017 11:00:56 am
I'm sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My dad passed last year. I think I expected him to outlive me...so strange knowing I can't call him. 7/24/2017 06:17:14 am
The head understands; the heart is not convinced and still has me reaching for the phone, too, Cathy. Sorry for your loss. 7/21/2017 04:57:57 am
Loved your blog and book(s) Cat Michael. All the best ! 7/24/2017 06:18:50 am
Nilima, love your energy and so glad you grabbed Sweet T and the Turtle Team! Many thanks for being part of BeachBoundBooks blog tour.
Margaret Appel
7/21/2017 10:23:26 pm
Sending you warm hugs & prayers, so very sorry for your loss. 7/24/2017 06:20:26 am
Appreciate your kind words more than you know, Margaret. Thanks for stopping by Cat's Corner.
Jasmine Stanford
7/22/2017 02:58:13 am
Great blog! I'm in Australia so it's winter and I'm looking forward to it being warm again 7/24/2017 06:22:24 am
We need to exchange a few degrees of our temperatures to get comfy, Jasmine <winking here>. Thanks for stopping by from Down Under.
Vicki D
7/22/2017 09:28:14 am
Thanks for this post and great blog! Love your books
Linda Manns Linneman
7/22/2017 10:41:34 am
I am so sorry for your loss. I am so happy summer is here. I love reading so thank you for sharing these. I also love encouraging my grandchildren to read. I pray you have a wonderful summer. God Bless 7/24/2017 06:25:04 am
Appreciate your kind thoughts about my dad, Linda. I'm glad summer is here, too. I have a lovely mental picture of you reading with your grands!
Becky Richardson
8/4/2017 06:02:14 am
My heart goes out to you about the loss of the your dad. I lost my dad as well several years ago. 8/6/2017 09:15:52 am
Becky, I am surprised at the depth of the hole in my heart from his passing. It's hard to lose a parent, no matter what our age is. Hugs for your loss.
Carol Luciano
8/7/2017 02:14:16 pm
Time passes slowly when we're healing from loss. You're in my prayers Cat and sending hugs your way. But thank God for our memories of loved ones. I enjoyed your post. I myself was reading about the Loggerheads in Mary Alice Monroe's adult series. Low Country. I became so interested in how the adults lay their eggs and found myself rooting for the little ones to make it to the ocean. My grandsons will love your series. I look forward to reading it with them. 8/8/2017 08:27:23 pm
Appreciate your kind words about my tale and prayers for my dad, Carol. I haven't read Monroe's Low Country series, but I need to suss it out as it involves sea turtles -:D. I, too, root for those little critters.
Mary Preston
8/8/2017 04:41:55 am
I had a lovely visit here thank you.
Liz
8/8/2017 08:02:49 am
What a fun place to visit- your blog is very uplifting 8/8/2017 08:31:20 pm
Hiya, Liz! Appreciate your feedback and stopping by Cat's Corner for a read -:D.
Jana Leah
8/8/2017 01:38:24 pm
Sweet T will be a great book to share with my nephew. 8/8/2017 08:33:14 pm
Awwww, thanks, Jana. Turtle Team is out in traditional print and ebook for kindle and i-Tunes, so whatever format your nephew enjoys is waiting for him -:D
Judy Schechter
8/8/2017 02:16:02 pm
That was a lovely dedication. I am so sorry for your loss. My dad died 5 years ago and it was really hard for me, but I picture him in heaven having the time of his life! 8/8/2017 08:35:27 pm
Thanks for your kind words, Judy. I love how you picture having the time of his life in heaven. Beautiful! 8/9/2017 09:53:50 am
I love everything about the summer...but this year the weather has not been up to par. Not so sunny in sunny Florida. :-( Wonderful post Cat. 8/12/2017 02:25:42 pm
I thought it was impossible to have a cloudy day in Florida, Sherry <wink!>. Happy to share some Carolina sunshine with you.
Anna Pry
8/9/2017 01:33:06 pm
I didn't make any grand plans for summer, just surviving the heat while hugely pregnant! My garden is the highlight of my summer so far 8/12/2017 02:32:43 pm
There's nothing like the joy of a child and new life, Anna -:D. (Well, gardens are a close second <wink>.)
KateB
8/9/2017 09:01:40 pm
Great blog Cat. I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sending love and warm thoughts to you. Looking forward to Sweet T and the Turtle Team. I love the pictures. 8/12/2017 02:35:33 pm
Appreciate your kind thoughts, Kate. It gets a little better every day. Irene Jahns is an amazing artist and a great-grandmother! I'm blessed to have her talent and support in creating my tales! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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 Cat MichaelsBlogging about books, writing, family life, travel and more good stuff. Meet Cat
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