The Secret of Snow (+ Halloween & More)

It’s a pleasure to tell you about USA Today and internationally bestselling author Viola Shipman's new novel THE SECRET OF SNOW which just hit stores everywhere this week, as well as in my mailbox!

Reading Viola Shipman’s novels is like talking to your best friend and wanting never to hang up the phone.”—Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author

This fascinating new tale comes from the author of The Summer Cottage  

The forecast is calling for a reluctant homecoming and regrettable decisions with a strong chance of romance… 

Sonny Dunes, a SoCal meteorologist who knows only sunshine and seventy-two-degree days, is being replaced by an AI meteorologist, which the youthful station manager reasons “will never age, gain weight, or renegotiate its contract.” The only station willing to give the fifty-year-old another shot is one in a famously non-tropical place—her northern Michigan hometown. 

Unearthing her carefully laid California roots, Sonny returns home and reacclimates to the painfully long, dark winters dominated by a Michigan phenomenon known as lake-effect snow. But beyond the complete physical shock to her system, she’s also forced to confront her past: her new boss, a former journalism classmate and mortal frenemy; more keenly, the death of a younger sister who loved the snow; and the mother who caused Sonny to leave. 

To distract herself from the unwelcome memories, Sonny decides to throw herself headfirst into all things winter to woo viewers and reclaim her success. From sledding and ice fishing to skiing and winter festivals, the merrymaking culminates with the town’s famed Winter Ice Sculpture Contest. Running the events is a widowed father and Chamber of Commerce director, whose genuine love of Michigan, winter, and Sonny just might thaw her heart and restart her life in a way she never could have predicted. 

Meet the Author: Wade Rouse/Viola Shipman

Wade Rouse is a popular award-winning memoirist and internationally bestselling author of twelve books, which have been translated into twenty languages and selected as Today show Must-Reads, Indie Next Picks, and Michigan Notable Books.

Rouse writes fiction under his grandma’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose heirlooms inspire his writing. Rouse said, “Her heirlooms, life, lessons and love not only inspire my fiction but also inspired me to become a writer and, I hope, the person I am today. She taught me that the simplest things in life – family, friends, faith, fun, love, and a passion for what you do – are truly the grandest gifts. My fiction is meant to honor the elders in our lives whose sacrifices and journeys helped make us who we are today. I couldn’t be prouder of my novels, which I hope reconnect you to your own family’s stories, heirlooms, histories and traditions.”

He lives in Michigan and California, and hosts “Wine & Words with Wade, A Literary Happy Hour,” every Thursday live on the Viola Shipman Facebook page. 

ON A SIDE NOTE

I want to say thanks to everyone who stops by to read my sporadic posting of late. There’s no excuse other than I’ve just been sidetracked doing other things.

When I look at the calendar today, I realize that Sunday (Oct. 31) is not only Halloween (Happy early Halloween by the way), but also the anniversary of this blog. It’s hard to believe this all started 12 years ago. A lot has changed in 12 years. One of the best things I can say about the ride is that it’s been a wonderful place to “meet” new friends and discover some amazing books to read.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year brings. I’m not making any promises of posting everyday like I have in the past, but I will try to get back to a schedule of sorts soon. A huge THANK YOU again to everyone. Y’all are awesome. Be safe, have fun if you’re out trick or treating, and take care of yourself.

Now, doesn’t THE SECRET OF SNOW sound intriguing?