We believe that Story is the shortest distance to the human heart. And for that reason we began the She Reads Book Club in September of 2009 in order to share the novels we love with the largest audience possible. Since then we have introduced dozens of novels to thousands of voracious readers. Our readers are smart and loyal and charming. We love them very much.

We prefer to read and promote debut novelists and those writers who are not receiving the attention they deserve.

MEET OUR TEAM:

Marybeth Whalen

Marybeth Whalen is our fearless leader. She has been married to Curt for 19 years. They have six children and regularly answer the questions: “Are they all yours?” “Are they all from the same marriage?” “Are there any twins?” and “How do you do it?” (Answers are as following: yes, yes, no and we have no idea!) When not chasing children or trying to schedule a date with her husband, Marybeth enjoys writing, reading and serving as co-director of She Reads, where she does her part to share fantastic fiction with other women who love a great story. She is the author of The Mailbox,  She Makes It Look Easy, and The Guest Book.

Her favorite quote: “The best time to plan a book is while you’re doing the dishes.” – Agatha Christie

Contact Marybeth: marybeth6 (at) gmail (dot) com

Ariel Lawhon

Ariel Lawhon is the other half of Marybeth’s brain and the not-so-fearless leader. She writes, reads, and lives in Texas with her husband and four young sons. She has a penchant for adrenaline-infused madness such as rock climbing (don’t ask), running marathons (bad for the knees), and jumping off bridges (not recommended) – as if raising four boys were not adventure enough. When not immersed in a book, changing a diaper, or rescuing her dog from the death-grip of a toddler, you can find Ariel at her local bookstore hiding in the stacks with a cup of over-priced coffee or right here chatting about books.

Her favorite quote: “I only write when I feel like it; and I feel like it at 9 am every morning.” -Henry Miller.

Contact Ariel: aalawhon (at) gmail (dot) com

Kimberly Brock

Kimberly Brock is our blog network coordinator. She is a native to southern Appalachia, a former actor and special needs educator. Kimberly’s debut novel, The River Witch, a southern mystical work set on the Georgia coast, has been featured in numerous reading lists and chosen by two national book clubs. Her work also appears in the anthologies Summer in Mossy Creek and Sweeter Than Tea. When not at work on her next novel, she is busy supporting writers and the art of storytelling in all its forms. Kimberly lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with her husband and three children.

Her favorite quote: “Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others…for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” – Albert Einstein

Tamara Welch

Tamara Welch is our Online Book Club Leader. She also hosts our monthly Twitter chats. Her first literary loves were The Babysitter’s Club, Nancy Drew, and Sweet Valley Twins. While her reading tastes have changed some, these 3 still hold a special place in her heart- as they introduced her to reading.  Book signings, movies, concerts, and baseball games are some of Tamara’s other ideas of fun.  An ideal day for Tamara is sitting in her hot pink Adirondack chair with a good book and a frosty cool drink. Her blog (TravelingWithT) was created for the purpose of talking about small town charms and books. Favorite song is “Days Like This” by Van Morrison and favorite movie is Steel Magnolias. Ultimate dream- opening a book store near a beach so two of her passions could be combined: reading and the beach.

Twitter: @rockstar1023