Dear Friends:
Wow! The summer zoomed by, but what a summer it’s been! Weather-wise in the Hudson Valley, with minimal rain since June and temperatures above 90 degrees, the leaves are already turning crispy brown. Compared to the snow, I’ll take the heat any day. But our poor vegetable garden took a terrible hit. We lost our beans and cucumbers quite early, but now we're drowning in cherry, heirlooms and beefeater tomatoes. Not a bad way to go. And as I write this, the rains have finally arrived.
On the home front, my husband Mike and I celebrated our 40
th wedding anniversary, and our family welcomed another new member in July. Wesley joined our clan on July 8
th and he, his parents and big brother Wade are settling in nicely. It’s hard to remember that when babies arrive, they are such tiny, fragile creatures who depend on us for everything. It’s fun to watch your children and grandchildren grow, but it certainly puts your life into perspective. Me, a grandmother....no way! LOL!
As the summer winds down, I’m gearing up for lots of fall activities. My publisher, Level Best Books, is re-releasing my award-winning debut thriller, “The Midnight Call” in late September, and I have a calendar full of author and “The Writer’s Law School” appearances in store. This spring, I had a terrific time traveling and chatting about “Hooker Avenue,” and readers seemed entranced by my novel’s link to the true crime of the Kendall Francois serial killers. Along the way, I reconnected with old friends and made new ones at libraries, bookstores and virtually. I’m hoping to make even more connections in the fall.
September is “Read a New Book Month” and I have listed a few of my new favorites for you in this newsletter. Even an old book can be new if you’ve never read it before. Because I’m such a Bridgerton fan, I’m reading my way through Julia Quinn’s series. I’m up to the fourth book, “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton,” in anticipation of the new Netflix season in early 2023. They skipped Benedict’s story, the second in line, and are heading straight to Collin, probably because he and Penelope Featherington are fan favorites. The easy-to-read series is chock full of history, mystery and yes, sex, but it’s all in fun. And who can’t use a bit of fun?
Speaking of fun, I’m diligently working on book three, “The Empty Kayak,” which will also be out in the spring of 2023. The plot moves from the tranquil lands of Dutchess County into the murky, mysterious waters of the Hudson River. It’s been fascinating to learn how the Hudson River keeps her secrets from firefighter, police officers, kayakers and aquatic forensic experts. In “Kayak,” one of my characters loses someone dear to them, and is it because of an accident, suicide or murder? You’ll have to wait to find out!
And don't forget to follow me on social media to be the first to see the "Cover Reveal" for the newest edition of "The Midnight Call." It's coming soon!
Hopefully, our paths will cross this autumn as I hit the road. Until then, enjoy the warmth, sunshine and the season of apple picking.
Take care.
