Wednesday, February 11, 2026

took my breath away

I had been waiting with bated breath to read the lovely Nicole's new novel Inhale Exhale and I devoured it in one long binge, barely pausing to catch my breath. It's a breath of fresh air, and I could hear Nicole's good sense, compassion, humor, and patience on every page. Nicole enjoys Catherine Newman and Katherine Heiny and this elegant and unflinching novel absolutely belongs on the shelf with those greats.

Totally chuffed to see a teacher in the book with (part of) my name! (There's a "Maya" too, but then the world is full of illusion. Ha.)

Also chuffed to see the anthology I was in last year, made it to Bibliomama's 5-star reads of 2025. (I think it says so much about her kindness!)

Pic: Because all my breath-related jests weren't enough, I posed Nicole's novel with a Buddha because the protagonist, Michelle, is a yogi.

17 comments:

Jeanie said...

How lovely! I'm going to check it out right now. Thanks for including the links! And congratulations on your poetry collection kudos!

Nicole said...

Oh Maya!!! Thank you so much!!!! This is just...it just made my heart swell. To see MY name with Newman and Heiny...well. I can't even. I am just so thrilled you liked it!!! And thanks for letting me borrow your name(s)! xoxoxo

StephLove said...

Congrats to both the authors!

Gillian said...

Congrats.

Nance said...

What an outstanding Company of Women in our community!

J said...

Tacking on to Nance’s comment, I will just say YAY US! Even though I will never have anything published (not a goal nor a desire, so I’m not being self deprecating…my job is important - THE AUDIENCE.)

maya said...

Thanks, Jeanie! Nicole's book is a gem!

maya said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
maya said...

ALL THE HEARTS AND HEART-EYE EMOJIS!!

maya said...

Thanks, Steph! This is really Nicole's post though.

maya said...

Thanks!

maya said...

Seriously!!!!!!!!!

maya said...

I'll piggyback on to the YAY US!!!! How much poorer my life would be without you (and you all) in it... Thank you for so many moments of uplift and hope! XOXOXO

Jenny said...

cannot wait to read the book! I've ordered it and am waiting for it to arrive. I'm glad everyone is loving it so much. I can't imagine that I won't love it, as I love Nicole's writing on her blog.
I can't wait to read about Allison's five star reads. She obviously has great taste : )

maya said...

Jenny, I got a copy for Nicole to sign and a Kindle copy to read right away :D. I can't wait for you to read it either. Maybe a bookclub?!

Lisa's Yarns said...

My book arrived while I was traveling this week! I have a couple of other books to get through and then I plan to dive into it. How fun to see your name mentioned! :)

maya said...

YAY!!!! CANNOT WAIT!! (In awe of you being able to wait :) )

easy like Sunday mornings

Life was easy today. Being honest so I don't get more undue credit. We stocked up on food for the week, and then... headed for the beach...