RHYS BOWEN: When you read this I’ll be on my way to the airport, flying today to Canada. My son Dominic, his wife Meredith and I have rented an AirB&B on Vancouver Island–actually on a small island off the coast of Vancouver Island. It’s on a beach, surrounded by trees. The perfect escape, actually. It’s what we all needed… to be in the middle of nature with time to decompress, to think, to journal and for me to adjust to a new way of life.
A vacation with them will be perfect. They like to experience everything… so they’ll find the best artisan bakery in the area, fresh seafood, craft shops, farms where you can pick your own blueberries and with plenty of down time too. This will be quite different from vacations with John, who would have planned out in advance what we were going to see every day. His idea of Vancouver Island would be driving several hours up the coast until we had circumnavigated the whole thing. And if I saw a sign to a craft fair along the way it would be ignored because it interrupted his plans and we had to reach the motel he had booked by four PM check in.
So one of the things I’ll be learning to do is to go with the flow–to sit and do watercolor if I feel like it, to realize I have nobody to please but myself. Dom and Mer are so easy-going and get delight from the smallest things. They are definitely foodies so there will be a lot of trying nearby restaurants ( poutine at least once). I can’t wait.
So how about you, dear Reds? Any plans for this summer? What is your ideal way to decompress?
LUCY BURDETTE: we will be spending lots of time with the grandchildren over the next two weeks! The family has already been to New York City (with three kids under 10 in tow) and then to Montauk to visit relatives, and next stop Connecticut. It is always a busy and fun time to have them here. After that, I can’t think of any trips on the docket this summer. So I should be able to get my work done and also do some relaxing and I hope extra reading!
JENN McKINLAY: I’m glad you’re finding a new rhythm, Rhys, and doubly glad you have Dom and Mer to ease you into it.
I just got back from a trip to Connecticut and Massachusetts and South Carolina. The trip broke down into a book thing in CT, a family barbecue in MA, and checking out my college roommate’s new home in SC–hard to believe we’ve known each other for 40 years! We spent hours on the beach in SC and I am ready to move. Seriously!
I’ll be headed to Canada in a few weeks to our summer place in Nova Scotia and I’m looking forward to that. More beach time! But in the meantime, I have loads of work to do–revisions and proposals and promoting the streaming series based on my book Paris is Always a Good Idea, the first two episodes of which air on Hallmark Plus on July 30th! Yay!
HALLIE EPHRON: July 30 for PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA! Hallmark Plus… We’re all writing it down.
I’m just back from teaching in Paris… there for 10 days and could easily have spent another ten. And I’m missing my Jerry who, like Rhys’s John, did the trip planning so I could just relax and be surprised. We shared the same priorities (he traveled with a little pad filled with menu translations, along with a list of where we were going and the culinary specialties in each place.)
The summer will be quieter than usual.
Mid-June I’ll be teaching a master class on harnessing voice and viewpoint at Book Passage’s Mystery Writer’s Conference in Corte Madera, CA. Hobnobbing with Cara Black, Tim Maleeny, Elizabeth George, Lisa Scottoline, Rachel Howzell Hall, and more! I love this conference. So much heart and professionalism.
For any aspiring mystery writer who’s never been there, write it down!!
Then things slow down for some medical procedures (ick) and visits from my daughters and grands (yay!) Hoping I’ll be able to take a low-key week with my family on Peak’s Island in Maine. Beach. Hiking (flat!) Lobsters!
HANK PHILLIPI RYAN: Absolutely, on July 30 I will be at my TV, cheering! This summer is wild–no vacations, because Jonathan has a murder trial (he’s the lawyer, come on!) so he’s preparing But my days are super-full, because I have a book DUE August 1, AHHHHH because then the paperback of ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS comes out August 11, so I will be on a mini-tour …in preparation for the launch of MOTHER DAUGHTER SISTER STRANGER in September! When I will be on the road again.
So it’s interesting–I have cut way back on events for the next two months to be able to focus on the writing. It’s terrific to be able to really buckle down.Okay, well, I am interviewing some fabulous authors in person at local bookstores though–Hannah Selinger, and then Robyn Gigl, and then Riley Sager! Very exciting.
Rhys, your escape plans are perfection.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Hank, Riley Sager is going to be signing here in McKinney, and Kayti and I have tickets! CJ Box was here, too, a couple of months ago–maybe McKinney, Texas is becoming a literary destination! We also have a great indy bookstore, so if anyone wants to come here and do an event… Kayti and I are also seeing Jo Piazza at the DMA (Dallas Museum of Art) Arts and Letters Live–has anyone read her? And then, I think, Karin Slaughter, so sometime between now and mid-August I need to read some of her books!
Those are my big summer events. Otherwise I am doing loads of catch up and edits, which is all fine. Oh, and watching Jenn's Hallmark movie! So exciting! Do we have to sign up for the Hallmark Channel streaming, Jenn, since we don't have cable or satellite?
RHYS: Now it's your turn, Reddies. Who has exciting plans this summer? Who is planning on a relaxing time at home?
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I also want to know how to watch PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA while streaming! Jenn, you have to do an announcement for all of us who are your fans.
My summer plans were ALL stacked up in June: the visit from Youngest and VOC, my son flying in, two weeks of non-stop activities, several professional events and then a five-day writing retreat. Now I have nothing on my calendar until the end of August, when a dear friend’s daughter is getting married. I’m actually thrilled - this is the least scheduled summer I think I’ve ever had, giving me lots of time to enjoy Maine in its best season and get a whole bunch of writing done for my next book!
Goodness, everyone has summer plans that sound amazing! We will be relaxing at home after having traveled to Colorado and to Florida for graduations and retirements . . . of course, since it's summer, the youngest grandbabies will be spending some time with us, so we will be heading for the beach, the boardwalk, the park, and all those fun summer things . . . .
ReplyDeleteBeach with grandchildren is the best, Jian. Enjoy!
DeleteWe're at Edinburgh airport waiting to travel home to Kentucky via Chicago. A glorious 3 weeks in Fife, Swaledale, and Wooler, in Northumberland. Yes, my husband plans everything and I show up. I've had too much stuff to do to plan the thing. A combination of walking and sightseeing. We were in the north, so avoided the heat wave. Work resumes tomorrow. It's been glorious. The icing on the cake was when our beloved former student happened to send an email yesterday afternoon and said he was in Edinburgh, so we got to eat dinner with him. We saw wonderful gardens and breathtaking scenery. Just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteI’m going to Scotland in October with my daughter and SIL. I hope it won’t be too cold and rainy then!
DeleteScotland is on my short list!
DeleteI wish my husband enjoyed the beach because I would spend a lot more time there. Two coasts each 1-2 hours away and “I’m stuck in the middle with you”.
ReplyDeleteI decompress with a book. But watching Jenn’s book come to life is on my list.
One trip planned to Minnesota/Iowa/Nebraska in August to see friends and relatives. Our niece’s annual ALS fundraiser will be combined with a family reunion on my husband’s side. This year the fundraiser will be a live version of “The Voice” featuring local talent. As it gets more difficult for Lesley to speak she says, “Thank you for being my voice.”
Last year we stayed one night at a beachfront hotel in Gulf Shores, Alabama on our way home. Fingers crossed for this year.
My Hugh doesn't beach either, so I go with a girlfriend - or by myself!
DeleteI echo Edith! John was not a big fan in his later years so I went alone.
DeleteAll those plans sound perfect (well, except for Hallie's procedures, but I hope they lead to a good outcome and better health).
ReplyDeleteNo trips planned here. Lots of writing/revising, gardening, picking blueberries, and visits with kids, grands, and friends. G&Ts on the deck and beach mornings. Eating luscious summer produce, and reading. Lots of reading.
It seems you’ve already had your little beach getaways, Edith, and your summer sounds perfect
DeleteWe are at a dude ranch in the Adirondacks with Rachel's family. The boys are loving it. There are so many great activities here that their first ride will be this morning. It's just for a few ays but we are all having a ball. Maybe I'll have some stories to tell later.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, Rhys. I think this vacation sounds perfect.
Are you riding and roping, Judy? I hope they have fun things for the older set!
DeleteHave a great time going with the flow, Rhys.
ReplyDeleteThe only summer plans on my calendar is a visit back to my beloved New York City. There I will be a visitor catching up with my ex-colleagues and friends who I didn't get to say "goodbye" in person.
Sounds good, Dru. I hope the weather is kind to you
DeleteI'm hoping you have excellent weather, Dru!
DeleteNo real plans here. I did get to see the Sammy Hagar / Rick Springfield concert last week thanks to a friend who won tickets. Fun show.
ReplyDeleteAnd except for another concert in late August, I'll pretty much be doing nothing but scrambling for gigs while I look for a regular job. Such is the life of someone who is over thirty but under seventy these days.
Meanwhile, I'd love to know where Hank is interviewing Robyn Gigl. I love the books she's written and got to review the first one for Mystery Scene. And they used a pull quote from that review on the back cover of book two so it would actually be cool to go to a signing if at all possible.
Jay, we all feel for you at this difficult time. I hope the right job comes along soon
DeleteJay, keeping my fingers crossed and sending good vibes to you - they should know you'll be the best!
DeleteYou might call Porter Sq. Books in Cambridge MA. I checked their website for the Gigl/Hank interview event and it didn't mention a cost to attend (parking is free with validation though).
Hoping you find something perfect, Jay!
DeleteRhys, having watched Dominic's wonderfully soothing videos during Covid, I think he is just the right person to travel with for a relaxing time. Have a wonderful trip, my dear.
ReplyDeleteWe were already gone for nearly three weeks, to Portugal and Spain, so our only additional travel plans are for a few days in Northern Michigan with my oldest daughter and son-in-law. We will eat lots of fish and cherries, and take at least one day for tooling around Torch Lake on the boat. Steve will try to catch some trout, and I will take some walks on the beach, very laidback.
Unlike the Spain trip, which was ACTIVE. "We" walked the shortest route of the Camino de Santiago, around 96 miles, in a week. (I ended up walking a total of 27 miles, which included two days of 10 miles each.) It was a truly wonderful trip, filled with family time--both ours and our daughter's fiance's. After the Camino, our youngest daughter popped over from Greece to spend a weekend with us, and the fiance's sister and her family joined us from California for that time, as well. The very best part was getting to know the other family, and becoming lifelong friends.
The downside was that we were moving a LOT. In 19 days we only stayed more than one night, twice (three nights each), so we were in 13 different hotels/apartments. All that packing and repacking got OLD fast.
Jenn, that is the perfect book for a movie! Looking forward to seeing it come to life.
Hallie, best of luck with your medical adventures, and speedy healing.
Thank you, Karen. And I was so impressed with the Camino. Something I would have loved to do earlier
DeleteRhys, I hope your vacation to Vancouver Island will be all you’re wishing for. I had a week there many years ago and loved it.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t eat poutine while I was there because I’m sure the best place to eat it is in Quebec.
I’ll mostly stay at home during the summer with some visits to loved ones, especially one to my godmother who will be 101 this week.
Hallie, I hope all goes well with your medical procedure.
Well of course it will be second class poutine, I’m
DeleteSure. I’ve had it in Quebec!
Rhys, do enjoy the island life in Canada. I see that the west is having a lovely hot summer – actually my annoying son who lives in Nanaimo keeps sending me screen shots of the thermometer. If you like seafood, try the crab benny – we had it at a pub in Cowichan Bay. Lovely place – a bit touristy, but fun none the less. Jenn – bring a parka!!!!! Today’s weather is not above 20 (68F). In spite of the cold and no sun, I am going to attempt to plant the garden – purple tinged tomatoes will go out, and I will put the beans in the ground. Suspect they will rot!
ReplyDeleteFour days ago, we moved the last of the stuff out of my sister’s house, and on Saturday, we helped move the new people in. So, in spite of detritus everywhere, it is the beginning of the rest of our lives – and I look forward to it. No plans, no dates (well a funeral tomorrow, but that is an unscheduled event), no advance notice of any one coming here (no place to sit anyway!) and no plans for us for the future. Rattling around the idea of going to the Netherlands in the spring – just because. The albatross will probably negate it…. I wonder if I should learn to speak the language just in case. The albatross would sort-of like to go to Nijmegen where his uncle is buried, and I would like to see the farm in the middle of Rotterdam harbour. Then there would be the gardens and the tulips, and of course cheese. Our too-tall-dutchman is coming to Halifax next month, but I doubt that we will see them.
Meanwhile, the strawberries in the garden are in bloom, so hopefully in another 10 days, we will be munching on strawberries and cream – ahhhh! Oh, probably still in parkas…
Thank you for the tip, Margo. And enjoy your strawberries!
DeleteIf you do go to the Netherlands, you have to go to Keukenhof, the bulb park. It’s only open when the flowers are in bloom. (you can see pictures of it online together a preview) The peak time is variable since it is contingent upon the weather so you may need to check on that if your time is flexible.
DeleteWhen I was there, which was quite a number of years ago, there was also a flower parade similar to our Tournament of Roses held New Year’s Day here.
It consisted of floats made out of the bulb flowers. There was also an opportunity before the parade to visit the place where the floats were decorated.
This was held to celebrate the queen’s birthday. Since she is no longer around, I don’t know if it still held.
You should also take a canal boat ride in Amsterdam.
You really don’t need to learn Dutch, I think it is probably one of the most English speaking countries in Europe.
Go by yourself if you have to, I did and people were very friendly and helpful. I didn’t feel uncomfortable by myself. It is a very easy country in which to travel. Excellent public transportation, trains, local buses and trams will take you anywhere you want to go.
Depending on how much time you have available, you would be a relatively short train ride from many other countries such as Germany, Belgium and Denmark.
I wasn’t in the first two, but I did go to Denmark which I liked very much. You also don’t need to learn Danish, English will be all you need to know.
If you have an interest in going to another country, you should look into a Eurorail or other train pass. It will save money on your travel costs and give you more flexibility on scheduling. You would just have to compare fares with and without it.
These plans all sound delightful! Rhys, many years ago we had our sailboat up in Friday Harbor and we took long sailing vacations up in the Gulf Islands off the east coast of Vancouver Island. It was so incredibly beautiful there. Early one morning, we were anchored off a little island near Campbell River when we saw an orca up close and personal.
ReplyDeleteNo travel plans, though I did promise to go to Chicago and help my son set up his new apartment for a few days. I love visiting Chicago, but August doesn't sound like the best time!
I’m hoping to see Orcas, but not when I’m in the kayak!
DeleteThere was just a piece on 60 Minutes about Orcas feeding on sharks. This was in South Africa. I don’t know if it ocurs in other countries.
DeleteRhys, your travels with Dom and Mer sounds wonderful. I think you will like visiting the island. We loved our visits to Vancouver. I think we visited Vancouver three times, Victoria once and a small island off the coast of Vancouver once.
ReplyDeleteMy family went to a small island off Vancouver Island for a wedding many years ago! And the last time we were in Vancouver was for the LCC in 2019!
My plans? Just started my Hallmark + subscription and looking forward to seeing your book come alive on the screen. I’m hoping to make it to Hallie’s writing class at the book passage in July. I have too many things to accomplish this summer. I plan to enjoy the long summer days with friends and family.
Have you taken Hallie’s class before? She’s the best teacher I know
DeleteRhys, Not yet. Hope to get a chance this year. Diana
DeleteHallie, sending good thoughts regarding your medical procedures.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Jenn, I look forward to seeing your book PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA on Hallmark, starting July 30.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Thank you, Diana!!!
DeleteLooking forward to PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA. Must figure out how to watch it.
ReplyDeleteRHYS, if you can give a trip report I would love to read it. Dear hubby and I are planning a trip to Victoria, BC and it'd be nice to have some tips.
I will do that. I’ll post on the Teds and Readers Facebook page.
DeleteButchart Gardens
DeleteHank - where and when are you interviewing Robyn Gigl? I love her books and would love to hear/see your interview, but I don't see it on her events page, nor yours?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
https://portersquarebooks.com/event/2026-08-06/robyn-gigl-author-all-we-hide-conversation-hank-phillippi-ryan
DeleteROBIN GIGL
Thursday Aug 6 at 7 pm EST
Porter Square Books (All We Hide book/Robin Gigl)
1815 Mass... Ave (Cambridge, MA)
I love reading about how others are spending their days—especially in the summer. I really struggle in hot weather (my body just doesn’t like it) so summertime can be a slog for me. I also am introverted and the summertime social expectations stress me out haha. I’m so weird! Anyway, I’m lucky enough to live in Maine so traveling isn’t necessary (we save our travels for Fall and Spring). I’m trying to embrace the quiet this summer and delve into gardening, kayaking, and reading. Oh, and here in Maine all the ice cream shops are now open so I try to get us out 1-2 times a week to the lakes and coast for an ice cream trip! Let me offer a far warning though, I was bitten by a tick and it is no joke! I had always been careful, but obviously not careful enough. No Lymes symptoms yet for me but the bite area itself is hard enough to deal with. Check yourselves every day out there!
ReplyDeleteI've had a phobia of ticks ever since I was bit as a kid. Hoping for a good outcome for you, Stacia. Also, your summer sounds petty perfect.
DeleteWe had a trip to the south of France, Italian coast, and a week in Florence in May, followed by a 5 day family weekend in Houston for a World Cup game (Germany v Curacao) my wonderful kids organized. I'll spend the rest of the summer weeding, swimming, and writing.
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds wonderful. My favorite places.
DeleteThe World Cup - how exciting!! We have been watching it on TV and it is exciting. Rooting for USA (first choice), plus Norway, Canada, because we have connections to Canada & Norway. And of course, Argentina because of Messi.
DeleteJust a week in Provincetown at a charming inn with individually cooked breakfast , a spa, a pool and complementary wine and beer plus daily at 5:00 PM. Great restaurants to visit again as well as time in the sun to relax at Herring Cove beach listening to the ocean and reading a great book! I am one of Hank’s ARC readers. So, that is top of my list!
ReplyDeleteAlicia, I would love the name of your inn!
DeleteRhys, I'm glad to hear you have such a great opportunity to process the big transition in your life and lean into "what next." Your plans sound lovely!
ReplyDeleteJune was the quietest part of our summer, spent mostly just enjoying the charms of home cooking and visiting local favorites. Columbus Ohio's Red, White and Boom celebration is known as one of the best fireworks shows in the midwest, and we have gone every year for decades. We're currently discussing whether we're still up to the madness, but I think in the end we will decide that yes, we are. Then at the end of July my husband will be volunteering at the National Scout Jamboree for two weeks. Three years ago when he did this I found that the second week got rather long, so this year I'm planning to go spend a few days with his sister, who just retired, to break it up. I'm counting on finding some mischief to get into with her. August brings first his family reunion, which I always thoroughly enjoy, and at the end of the month we leave for our big trip of the year. This year we are flying to Bucharest, taking an overnight train to Budapest, and from there to Vienna and Prague, returning in September. So overall the summer is a slow build of activity.
Susan, that sounds perfect to me - a mostly relaxing summer with some fun and family involved, and then a fabulous trip to start off the fall - which always feels like another new year to me.
DeleteI'm heading home today, after a week in Eugene, Oregon. Just visiting my sister and her family, doing nothing. Well, actually, I did ride around Eugene with my sister while she did her Uber deliveries but other than that, nothing exciting.
ReplyDeleteRhys, you're going to have a wonderful time. My nephew has a home on an island off the coast of Vancouver and it's a magical place. You might even get to see whales! Meanwhile, David and I are driving to the Bay Area for a few days to see old friends and then on to Mendocino to celebrate my birthday mid-July. We were married on the headlands in Mendocino oh-so-many years ago and look forward to visiting that beautiful California coastal town again.
ReplyDeleteI’ll be back on the 10 th. Maybe see you?
DeleteRhys, your trip sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI’m leaving Friday for Shetland and then Orkney. The bonus is one of our traveling companions is a Scot so we’ll have insider knowledge!
How lovely. Enjoy!
DeleteI hope you find a new rhythm and enjoy your time with family, Rhys. I'm in NYC for a month with my daughter who is dancing at Alvin Ailey's summer program. I'm going to be finding a new rhythm of my own with days about the city, writing, reading, and soaking up the sights and sounds (possibly for new material for a future book).
ReplyDeleteI have my annual trip to see my sister in August, so I'll be driving back to Buffalo with Koda. Other than that, my summer is unscheduled. We may try to get to the Poconos for a long weekend - The Hubby wants to see the little town of Jim Thorpe. Then a long weekend to Gettysburg in September for my birthday.
ReplyDeleteOur problem is that we'd love to BE in a place - like Alaska - but we don't want to endure the travel TO the place. Unless travel there is something like a train trip, which we'd actually consider part of the adventure. Flying? Not so much of an adventure as a trial to be endured.
^ That's me, Liz, above. Didn't notice I wasn't signed into my Google account.
DeleteIt sounds like a cruise to Alaska is in your future, Liz!
Delete