Labor of Love

Labor Day was born out of sweat, struggle, and solidarity—a reminder that every right we enjoy in the workplace today was hard-won by the workers before us. It’s also a reminder of something quieter but just as important: rest is our right, too. A day off is a day reclaimed.

As a romance author, I can’t help but think of the labor behind the stories we read and love. Books don’t just appear fully formed on a shelf. They’re labors of love carried by so many hands:

• the indie author drafting words at 2 a.m.

• the narrator bringing those words to life

• the editor smoothing every rough edge

• the cover designer who makes you want to pick it up

• the readers—yes, you—who carry the story forward

When you read indie, review indie, and recommend indie, you’re honoring that labor and keeping the cycle moving forward.

And since Labor Day is also about resting from work, let’s talk about what to read while you put your feet up this long weekend. (Note: Not everyone gets today off, I know. Big hugs to those of you working retail, frontline, or other jobs that don’t let you rest today.)

These are three books that blew me away in August:

• I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston, narrated by Natalie Naudus – A whip-smart, heart-tugging queer YA rom-com that left me grinning and aching in equal measure.

• Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb, narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw and Evan Sibley – Over-40 main characters, surprising steam, and yes… birding. I devoured this one in a day.

• The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center, narrated by Patti Murin – An ode to the rom-com itself, equal parts swoony and smart, with dialogue that crackles. I read my first four Katherine Center books in August; this was my favorite by far.

So here’s to the labor that makes stories possible, and to the joy of setting it all down for a day, curling up, and letting a good book remind us why the work is worth it.

What’s a book you’ve read lately that felt like a true labor of love?