If you haven't heard, last week there was a massive publishing convention in Bologna, Italy. Obviously, we haven't been, but we follow a lot of agents and editors who go every year.  Foreign publishers let agents and editors know what books they're looking for, what trends they're seeing.  Everyone goes to market to buy a fat pig...then home again, jiggity jig.

As readers this doesn't impact us a ton (as writers, probably).  But whoa were we excited when we caught this tweet:


And considering how 2013 has been going so far, we can't dispute it (nor would we like to).  So far everyone has fallen in love with ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell...there's a great review on iEatWords, if you need more convincing...Kristan snagged JUST ONE DAY by Gayle Forman...Sarah devoured 17 & GONE by Nova Ren Suma...then bought DR. BIRD'S ADVICE FOR SAD POETS by Evan Roskos (yawp!)...

And last night she finished something beautiful.  A love story about a girl and music.
 THE LUCY VARIATIONS by Sara Zarr.  It's simple, and gorgeous, and inappropriate (deliciously so), and full of rebellion and decision.  There's red dresses, near kisses, first sips of wine, and music, music, music.  There's having an audience, and being true to yourself.  Loving yourself.  Loving the moments we're given.

Contemporary is in its stride.  But there's always been room for a good, current story.  And as that girl says in the AT&T commercial, "We want more."

Here's our advice...read up, store up, on these fantastic Contemps before QUINTANA of CHARYN, THE BITTER KINGDOM, SIEGE & STORM, REBOOT, NOT A DROP TO DRINK, THE CHAOS OF STARS completely grab your attention with the shiny...we know we weren't the only ones drooling at all the books at Epic Reads #ARCparty this week. 

What's trending for YOU so far this year?  What are you reading and loving?

How can you look at this cover and not be completely mesmerized?!?