It’s a real pleasure today to join the birthday blog blitz for The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me by Barbara Quinn, published in October 2017, and available in the UK via Amazon for kindle and in paperback. You’ll also find it on Amazon in the US, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and Waterstones – as well as on my kindle, because I spotted this book when first released and feel slightly ashamed that it still hasn’t managed to reach the top of my reading list. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and for giving me the opportunity to share a book I’m quite sure I’ll enjoy with a rather wider audience.
Coming home to catch her husband with his face between the long, silky legs of another woman is the last thing Sofia expects – and on today of all days. So, after scratching an expletive into his Porsche and setting the cheating bastard’s clothes on fire, she cranks up her beloved Bruce and flees, vowing never to look back.
Seeking solace in the peaceful beachside town of Bradley Beach, NJ, Sof is determined to start over. And, with the help of best friends, new acquaintances, a sexy neighbor, and the powerful songs of Springsteen, this may be the place where her wounds can heal. But, as if she hasn’t faced her share of life’s challenges, a final flurry of obstacles awaits.
In order to head courageously toward the future, Sofia must first let go of her past, find freedom, and mend her broken soul.
So, with apologies, no review today – but I’ll share a short extract to give you a flavour…
After breakfast the next morning, I pass by Sammy’s cottage. Pushing my earbuds in tight, I keep my head down and fix my eyes on the path at my feet. This is a keep-to-myself-because-I-am-stressed-to-the-limit type of day. The last thing I want is to talk to Sammy, or worse, one of his sisters. Meddlesome neighbors amount to a complication worthy of avoidance at all costs. Pausing at the corner, I turn the volume on high and wait for a large truck to rumble through the cross walk.
Springsteen wails “Light of Day.” A good night’s sleep allows the lyrics to fan the spark of optimism flickering in my soul. The incessant mantra of hope, of that light of day being at the next corner, saturates my brain, and I find myself smiling in spite of the circumstances.
A tap on my arm startles me, and I rip out my earbuds.
“Taking a walk?” Sammy gazes down with a friendly and disarming look.
I nod and trip over my feet. My clumsiness makes me groan inwardly but I regroup and collect myself.
About the author
Barbara Quinn is an award-winning short story writer and author of a variety of novels. Her travels have taken her to forty-seven states and five continents where she’s encountered fascinating settings and inspiring people that populate her work.
Her many past jobs include lawyer, record shop owner, reporter, process server, lingerie sales clerk, waitress, and postal worker. She’s a native New Yorker with roots in the Bronx, Long Island, and Westchester. She currently resides with her husband in Bradley Beach, NJ and Holmes Beach, FL. She enjoys spending time with her son and his family and planning her next adventure. She wants to remind everyone that when you meet her, SHE’S NOT SHOUTING, SHE’S ITALIAN.
Nice extract – and can sooo identify with the clumsy stumble at the end!