The approximate 6,000 ships that have succumbed to raging storms attest to the power of the Great Lakes. As I traveled, writing and compiling information for my three-volume travel series, Exploring Michigan’s Coasts, I heard or read the tales left behind by those ill-fated ships. They add a somber, but compelling backdrop to Michigan’s waterways.

The world needs more books like this! 

I recently read an extraordinary new YA novel, entitled The Moth Girl, written by Heather Kamins. Why do I make such a bold statement?

I have written a three-book travel series exploring Michigan’s coastlines, entitled Exploring Michigan’s Sunrise Coasts, Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Coasts, and  Exploring Michigan’s Sunset Coasts.

Holland's Big Red photo courtesy Gary Martin Photography

Music can help create connections; it can also help remember them. Music can recall times of kindness, of grace, of patience. A lot to ask of a song or a tune? Not necessarily.

Here are several pieces of music to go along with these ideas.

Note: From 6/9/22 through 6/22/22, you can get a free 386-page PDF of Exploring Michigan’s Sunset Coasts. Go to author Julie Royce’s website at www.jkroyce.wordpress.com. Click the button on the sidebar and provide your email. Your email will be deleted once the book is sent. If you like the book, tell your friends and suggest they get the free PDF or buy the book on Amazon. Better yet, if you like it, write a review on Amazon. Let’s promote Michigan! 

In the northern hemisphere, it’s beginning to feel a lot like summer. While the official solstice is still a few weeks away, the unofficial start has already occurred. University students have left their campuses, many school districts are either done or into the final wind downs, summer camp packing is fully underway, and beaches will soon have far more humans than seagulls. 

From 5/26/22 through 6/8/22, you can get a free 211-page PDF of Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Coasts. Go to author Julie Royce’s website at www.jkroyce.wordpress.com. Click the button on the sidebar and provide your email. Your email will be deleted once the book is sent. If you like the book, tell your friends and suggest they get the free PDF or buy the book on Amazon. Better yet, if you like it, write a review on Amazon. Let’s promote Michigan!