July: From the editor

Doesn't the Her... magazine cover photograph for July make you wish you had a good book, a shady porch, a swing and a cold glass of lemonade?

Tarboro photographer Bill Goode captured the relaxed portrait of model Jeri Jackson of Greenville on the beautiful front porch at Tarboro's Main Street Inn. I extend a huge thank you to Bill for his wonderful photograph, and to Main Street Inn owners Denise and Stuart Sanderson for providing such a lovely location — and delicious lemonade (to see recipe click here).

Bill also took the photo of me that accompanies this editor's note. Thanks for making me look good, Bill.

For this annual "Great Summer Reads" issue, members of the Her... magazine readers' panel shared reviews of books they would recommend to other women. Some of the titles, provided by national book-publishing companies, were given away to readers' panel members to read and review. Others are favorites from our panelists' own bookshelves.

Also, the panelists were asked what title they would give their personal memoirs — an exercise that proved insightful and surprisingly difficult for me. You should give it a try!

You'll also find recipes for the grill, ideas for a summer table setting and the perfect outfit to wear for hot fun in the summertime.

I hope you have a glorious summer, filled with lots of fun and good books.