Hello Readers,

Here are 3 tips for summer reading:

1) make a list of the books you want to read

2) pre-order or ask your librarian to order for you

3) talk to a friend about what they are reading for inspiration

Do you go into summer wondering which book you'll take to the beach, on a trip, to the backyard?  Do you feel stymied by the stack of books on your to-be-read pile?   I do.  I think that's normal.  So when I consider my summer reading, I try to prioritize.  Which story do I want to savor first?  That goes to the top of the list. Then it might be by genre, or subject, or author.  I don't read a book a day or even a book a week, but if I stick to my priority list, I seem to read all the books I have in the pile!  

What are your tips for readers? 

If you need an idea for a summer read, try the 5th Fairy Garden Mystery,  A TWINKLE OF TROUBLE. 

       The murder of Courtney’s friend, Genevieve, casts a pall over the Summer Blooms festival. Working with only a germ of a clue, Courtney will have to overturn every rock to get the dirt on the real killer . . .

Lest you forget, I had 4 books comes out in the past 12 months. Any or all of them would make a good summer read.  Even Hope for the Holidays.  Doesn't everyone like a little Christmas in July?  🧑‍🎄  

Suspense, THE SON'S SECRET

        Maggie Lawson is the only one who believes her son is missing and must race against the clock to save him before he takes his final breath.

Christmas romance, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

        Will Hope and Steve find their happily ever after? It might take a holiday miracle.

The 12th Cookbook Nook Mystery, POACHING IS PUZZLING 

        "Poaching is Puzzling is a crossword centric cozy with clever conundrums, a slain cruciverbalist, enticing appetizers, luscious cheeses, a sparkly spirit staff, shrewd wordsmiths, and a triumphant tournament victor." ~ Kristina on Goodreads

Also the 4th Fairy Garden Mystery, A FLICKER OF A DOUBT

         “This delectable otherworldly whodunit is sure to please cozy fans.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly

Survey Results! 

Well, the survey in the middle of the month was fun.  Most of you understood how to do it, by filling in the blank and then hitting begin.  Next time I’ll give those instructions in the body of the newsletter so it’s clearer, and it will say “submit” instead of "begin."

I’m on a learning curve!!

Results:

• Nearly everyone said mystery/suspense.
• There were a lot of romance as well as paranormal readers.
• At least half said cats/dogs – both.  One said dragons and wolves!  Good answer. LOL
• Some liked birds but not many said reptiles.
• At least half chose brownies/cookies.  Some said popcorn while other substituted with pretzels and nuts.
• Many liked valleys and mountains but not both.  Some liked lakes.  Others liked oceans.
• One wrote that I forgot to ask about drinking wine on a nice summer night with a good book.  Bless you.  A reader after my own heart.

Now, just so you know I can’t get all of these aspects into my books, but I will try. And I will continue to send some surveys.  Maybe about your taste in music.  Or movies.  Or travel.

If you DON’T want to answer or DON’T have time to answer. DON’T WORRY.  It’s all for fun.  If this makes you want to unsubscribe, I’m sorry about that.  Truly.

I'm at a writers conference called Thrillerfest in NY.   I'm taking time for a little decompressing while I'm here.  I love walking in the city.  I especially enjoy walking to Central Park. What a juxtaposition of beauty against huge buildings.  I also had lunch with my delightful editor and publicist at Kensington Books. Such fun. 

I'm enjoying Ginger Bolton's DOUBLE GRUDGE DONUTS, a Deputy Donut Mystery. The countdown is on as Deputy Donut Café owner Emily Westhill gets ready for married life. But before she takes the plunge, she’ll need to poke a hole in a deadly criminal’s plans . .

I'm listening to Lisa Gardner's STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE.  Frankie Elkin is an expert at finding missing people, but not even she could have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks’ time.

This is a snazzy dip for the summer to enjoy with veggies, crackers, or whatever you choose.  It's featured in WINING AND DYING, Cookbook Nook #10.  Enjoy.

Chipotle Dipping Sauce

(Yield: 1 cup)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste as needed
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; save the rest for garnish, if desired
• 1 tablespoon fresh green onions, chopped, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a blender or in a food processor.  Blend until smooth.

You’ll want to taste and add seasonings that you prefer.  If you add more peppers, it will get hotter, of course.  If you add more lime juice it will increase the acidity.

If desired, garnish with the green onions.  If you want to serve as a salad dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin.

Store remaining dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week.  It will thicken as it sits.

Sparky often thinks he should be treated like a little dog and get lots of cuddles. But this time, he wasn't so sure.  My son picked him up, and the sweet doodle instantly wanted to get down.  LOL 

That's it. That's all that is fit to print.
May your joy come from reading.
May your lives be filled with love.

Until next time . . . all my best,