About | Lynchburg Reads

Hi y’all! I’m Shelly and the voice behind Lynchburg Reads. I’ve been in love with books for as long as I can remember. By the time I was in 3rd grade, I was reading on a college level and wearing my parents out with my endless amount of full Book It! buttons that were used to claim free personal pan pizzas at Pizza Hut (as long as a purchase was made). You would think that I would be slowing down on both (books & pizza!) at my age, but both are still at the top of my favorites list.

I’m married to my best friend and very own book boyfriend, Patrick, and mom to Isaiah and Aidan. We have two beautiful dogs, Hunter and Everleigh, who light up our lives. Unfortunately, I’m the lone avid reader in our house and thus, created a blog as an outlet to share my love for reading with other bookworms.

What will you discover from Lynchburg Reads?

Being a book reviewer requires me to be honest about the books I’m sharing! If I read a book and absolutely can’t stand it or it ends up as a DNF (did not finish), then I don’t share it here. I might be a teensy bit *too* honest at times, but I also like to keep things positive. We have enough negativity in the world!

What kind of books will Lynchburg Reads feature?

My go-to books are contemporary romance. I love books based in small towns and filled with tropes such as friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, age gap, close proximity, fake relationships, single dad/mom, holiday, sibling’s best friend, best friend’s sibling, office, and grumpy/sunshine. I require a HEA – happily ever after – and am not a fan of cliffhangers.

I also have a love for suspense/thriller reads with a touch of crime, mystery, and psychological twists will immediately capture my attention.

You’ll occasionally find a self-help or non-fiction book featured here, but I’m not a big fan of paranormal, vampire, bully romances, or science fiction. I like to think that I have a pretty open mind. Even if I don’t necessarily agree with a situation of a book, I enjoy reading to absorb information so I can grow as not only a reader, but a person.

I will also occasionally have a giveaway for books, gift cards, etc.

Who are your favorite authors?

Wow! That’s a heavy question! I have a long list of authors I love in numerous genres. Some of my favorites are:

Kaylee Ryan
Lacey Black
Catherine Cowles
Melissa Foster
Isabel Jolie
Carrie Elks
Carolyn Arnold
Walker Rose
Claire Kingsley
Lyra Parish
T.I. Lowe
Courtney Walsh
Harmony West
Brooke Montgomery

What is your favorite book or series?

I have every book from these series on my bookshelf:

The Unexpected Series by Kaylee Ryan
Burgers and Brew Crue by Lacey Black
The Whiskeys by Melissa Foster
Tattered & Torn by Catherine Cowles
Sugarland Creek by Brooke Montgomery
Detective Amanda Steele by Carolyn Arnold
Valentine Texas by Lyra Parish
Carolina Coast Series by T.I. Lowe

Do you collect books or book-related items?

I do! I have an overflowing bookshelf full of books that were signed by the authors. I save each and every one of them because to me, it’s super special that they took the time to add their signature. I also collect swag – bookmarks, stickers, lip balm, notepads, postcards, pens, etc. My latest favorite craze is mini books! I only have one, but hope to be able to start creating my own soon. My oldest son gifted me a glass lamp that you can fill the base with something and until I received my first mini book, I had no clue as to what I’d put in it.

If I absolutely fall head over heels in love with a book/series, I will also buy paperback copies that earn a permanent place on my bookshelves.