Breadcrumbs for Readers

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: A funny book on building a home in Costa Rica— four dollars and ninety-nine cents

While back in New Jersey over the Christmas holiday, I went to a Barnes and Noble and meandered down every aisle. I lingered in the smell of new books, touched their spines, and wondered what adventures they’d take me on next. I’m in search of a new series I can dive into, and eager to meet new characters that will carry me off to a different world.

I love the feel of a book in my hand, even as it smacks me in the face while I’m falling asleep. If you haven’t been hit in the forehead by the book you are reading, you’re either not reading enough, or you might be reading the wrong material.

Now with the popularity of e-readers, I must ask: have you ever been hit in the face by your Kindle? I have to say; it’s quite the experience. And it hurts! In fact, if a miscreant ever breaks into my house, I plan to whip my Kindle straight at his nose.

One night as I was dozing off, my Kindle fell onto my front tooth. For a minute, I thought it had broken. The front tooth that is, not the Kindle. Luckily, my teeth are just as misshapen as they were before the incident. You see, I have these funny bunny teeth: my front two are longer than the rest. I’ve always wondered if I should have them fixed, but I fear I’ll end up looking like Matt Dillon in Something about Mary. I love Chicklets, but I do not want to wear them as teeth.

So if I’m going to risk life and limb for the love of a new series, I’ll have to find a good one. I’m thinking about diving back into Outlander. I read the first but never bought another. Or I could read about a dystopian society since that seems to be what every teenager is enjoying these days, including my niece. Creepy grey worlds where heroes die fighting for freedom in very tight clothing. After listening to her hard sell on one series in which cute boys combat mythical creatures, I told her to go home and watch Clockwork Orange. That movie freaked out generations of happy people who live in very non-dystopian societies. I’m still waiting for the phone call, and reprimand, from my sister for that movie suggestion.

That’s the problem when you love to read: there is so much out there to choose from. And it’s why I’m grateful so many of you are reading my funny series on our adventures in Costa Rica. Simple books about my husband driving me nuts in a foreign land. There are no sexy werewolves or imaginary societies, but for sure Rob is like the Ralph Kramden of this beautiful country. By the way, he didn’t even know the first book was all about him until CNN called and did a piece on us. It was after that he learned I wrote a chapter called “My Husband Is an Idiot.” It’s hard to put a spin on that one guys.

I love writing the Happier Than A Billionaire series, largely because of the bond I now share with my readers. I leave a trail of breadcrumbs within every chapter. Those who have followed my journey will recognize them. I feel like we’ve been through this journey together, and at this point, you know these characters as well as I do. It’s a giant inside joke I share with all of you. I was not the most popular girl in high school, never became the homecoming queen, but today I have thousands of friends and feel surrounded by love each and every day.

As I scroll through my comments on Facebook, respond to emails, answer private messages, and entertain guests this becomes even more clear. We have a strong connection I will never take for granted.

While reading my books, I imagine you thinking, “Wow, Rob fell off his scooter again? Some things never change. Heavens, he jerry-rigged a septic system with duct tape? I don’t want to be around when that plan goes south!”

You’ll find my latest in the series is no different. I left lots of scrumptious breadcrumbs in Happier Than A Billionaire: An Acre in Paradise. And since we are on the subject, did Rob fall off his rickety, old scooter again? Bet your-husband-is-an-idiot he did. And that would be one of the more tame things that happened while writing this crazy love/adventure story. While it most certainly can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, it will be even more special for those of you who have been following along from the beginning.

I hope you’ll read my latest and let me know if you’re enjoying a new series I should jump into. I’m waiting to get lost in my imagination. I’m prepared to get hit in the face by a book again. I’m ready to start following new breadcrumbs.

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:06-04:00 January 13th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , |14 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

14 Comments

  1. Victoria January 14, 2018 at 3:22 pm - Reply

    That’s the problem. I’m too old fashion to buy e-books. How could I get one of yours ?

  2. Susan January 14, 2018 at 1:11 pm - Reply

    The Forgotten Coast series by Dawn Lee McKenna is a series you will really enjoy. The sense of place is outstanding and the storyline is very compelling. However the characters are what really shine , some of the best I have ever read…… among them a chicken you will absolutely love…. he reminds me of Rob! I’m a huge fan of yours, please keep the books coming … I love sharing your adventures.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 16, 2018 at 8:46 am - Reply

      Thanks, Susan. I never heard of that one. I would love to read a chicken that reminded me of Rob!
      And I’ll keep writing as long as you keep laughing!

  3. Marilyn Hunter January 13, 2018 at 6:33 pm - Reply

    Love your books! Haven’t bought latest yet, but soon will. You should go back to Outlander! They are my favorite for many reasons: Claire is such a strong woman, there is humor and history, and a bit of incredible sexiness!
    Also, the Mary Russell series by Laurie R. King is very entertaining.
    Thanks for the funny and informative books and blog.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 16, 2018 at 8:48 am - Reply

      I was thinking about going back to Outlander. I watched the series, but always enjoy books better.
      I will look into the Mary Russell series as well. I love all these suggestions from everyone. I’m so excited to start downloading some books!

  4. 365daysoftheunthinkable January 13, 2018 at 3:30 pm - Reply

    I just received the Acre in Paradise book and can’t wait to start it. If you haven’t read Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, I would definitely recommend that for a good adventure?

  5. Fred Jackson January 13, 2018 at 1:49 pm - Reply

    If you like beautiful writing and character development, try an author by the name of James Lee Burke. He writes mystety/crime stories, but his description of locals, vistas, flora, atmosphere and weather are amazingly evocative. He writes page-turners, and has MANY books to choose from, but my favorite is Creole Belle. Just a suggestion.
    I’m with you, I love the feel and smell of a book and find kindle-reading is much less satisfying. Watch the trauma on your face from the kindle, for sure.
    I’ve followed you from the first book, and am interested in the new one, as my wife and I are in the early stages of building our new home up at Lake Arenal. Hope i can maintain a good sense of humor as you did!
    Thanks for sharing all your and Robs adventures in Costa Rica! It helps me continue my vast interest and love of your adopted country.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 16, 2018 at 8:57 am - Reply

      Hi Fred, thanks for those recommendations. They sound like something I would surely enjoy reading.
      LOL, you will love my next book about building our home in Costa Rica. I’m sure yours will go smoother. But boy oh boy, that was one hell of a year.

  6. Al Storie January 13, 2018 at 12:55 pm - Reply

    I can’t wait to pick up An Acre in Paradise, as our time gets closer to visit, with each bread crumb we are getting most excited. Just finished another lesson of Duolingo, felling lost in Spanish. I’ll be re reading the last Happier Than A Billionaire. I might have some questions. See you and Rob in just over 5 weeks. Happy Trails

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 16, 2018 at 8:58 am - Reply

      I can’t wait for you to see the driveway tree. I think it’s becoming famous!

  7. Ashley Taft January 13, 2018 at 12:21 pm - Reply

    If you enjoy science fiction, have you read the Long Earth series? And Clockwork Orange might save you from the annual holiday invitations!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 16, 2018 at 9:00 am - Reply

      Never heard of Long Earth. I don’t read much science fiction, but that’s just because I never really look much into it. I know I’m missing out on a lot of great stories.
      Yeah, the Clockwork Orange suggestion did not land well with my sister. But I’m the fun aunt… right?

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