Ask Barbara!

[Barbara, Author of Sweet Salt Air]

Stephanie wrote: "Sweet Salt Air was one of those rare books that I read every chance I had. It was that good. To me, it was Charlotte's story. While I didn't dislike Nicole, she didn't touch me the way Charlotte di..."

Interesting question, Stephanie. When you have two protagonists, readers will naturally gravitate toward one or the other. Charlotte was definitely my girl; yes, she touched me more. Nicole was a little more uptight, and for good reason, I felt. She grows a lot in the book, but in order to have growth, you have to start at a place that needs growth. Hence, we may not like her as much at the start. Does this make sense?

[Barbara, Author of Sweet Salt Air]

Lovviner wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Lovviner wrote: "Barbara, what is your favorite book that you have written? My favorite was Together Alone, at the time I read it my son was 2 years old. I think this book made me..."

Favorite author? No one favorite. I'm on an F. Scott Fitzgerald kick, but I don't think that's what you mean! :-)

[Carol]

Thank you for answering my question.

[Barbara, Author of Sweet Salt Air]

I'm an eclectic reader, though fiction comes first. I recently read "Where'd You Go, Bernadette," by Maria Semple, "While We were Watching Downton Abbey," by Wendy Wax, and "The Dinner," by Herman Koch. I'll be reading (non-fiction) "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg this summer. I love historical fiction, like "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel and "Z" by Therese Ann Fowler. I also love vampire fiction, most recently Deborah Harkness's "Discovery of Witches" and Abigail Gibbs' "The Dark Heroine."

[René]

I was also going to ask you what you are reading now. Lean In is also on my reading list for the summer. And on the topic of strong and successful business women... I'm interested to know if you've ever considered a lead female character whose success eclipses that of her spouse and the emotional impact that can have on the relationship? I'm finishing a degree in psychology at the moment and there is some fascinating research out there on the rise of successful women and it's effect on marital satisfaction for both men and women.

[Bonnie]

Thanks for inviting me to the group! I enjoy Barbara's books--light reading that really is what I need from time to time--Have read a lot of her books and can say I loved them all -they were just what I needed at the time I read them. This sounds like another good one and the salt air( a beach lover) and food can only be a great combination! Can't wait to read.

[Barbara, Author of Sweet Salt Air]

René wrote: "I was also going to ask you what you are reading now. Lean In is also on my reading list for the summer. And on the topic of strong and successful business women... I'm interested to know if you'..."

Well, Rene, I'm so pleased you asked that question. I've already written a book in which the woman's success eclipses that of her spouse. The title is A WOMAN'S PLACE. It first came out in 1997, but apparently the subject is still current. Her success definitely does have an effect on her marriage ... enough said. Do look for the book.

[René]

Barbara wrote: "René wrote: "I was also going to ask you what you are reading now. Lean In is also on my reading list for the summer. And on the topic of strong and successful business women... I'm interested to..."

A Woman's Place was a wonderful book! It's been awhile since I read it, but I'll definitely pick it up and read it again! Thanks Barbara for the reply. I've enjoyed this social media aspect and the ability to have a human connection with an author whose works have meant so much to me over the years! Have a wonderful week ~

[Barbara, Author of Sweet Salt Air]

It's getting dark here on the East Coast, and since I'm up each day with the sun, I'm about to shut down my computer and read for a while. Before I do, I want to thank Goodreads for hosting this chat, and thank you all for joining me here. I'll keep an eye out for questions that may be posted over the next day or two, and will answer them with relish. You all are great! I'm proud (and lucky) to have you as my readers.

[Lovviner]

Barbara wrote: "It's getting dark here on the East Coast, and since I'm up each day with the sun, I'm about to shut down my computer and read for a while. Before I do, I want to thank Goodreads for hosting this c..."

Thanks for taking time to answer questions. I have enjoyed my first online group discussion. This has been a great experience for me.

[☯Lilbookworm☮]

Thank you so much for the reply!