Enjoying a good book ... or two

Did you hear that? It was a sigh of relief. I mailed the last of two short story contest submissions. I’m looking forward to a more casual approach to my writing for the rest of the summer. Aside from my magazine column deadlines, I will not feel obligated to do any writing. Take notice that I said feel obligated. You know, as well as I do, that I will be writing something. Try and stop me!

On the way back from the post office, I dropped by the local library to pick up a couple of books that came in for me. Today, it was Elizabeth Berg’s Tapestry of Fortunes, along with David Baldacci’s latest, The Hit. In the mail this week, I received Audrey Austin’s latest release, Moose Road, A Canadian Tragedy (mine is number 8 in a limited edition).

So many great books, I’m salivating. Now, to snuggle down in air-conditioned comfort and crack the covers. No guilt. After all, in these hellish temperatures, gardening, walking ‒ or even shopping ‒ is out of the question. (For those of you who read last week’s bizarre blog, my outdoor work is fairly caught up, looking rather good actually, I had twelve family members over for dinner (not a bologna sandwich in sight) and the fridge is well stocked.

Before I dive into the new reads, I need to finish an excellent book that author Elizabeth George edited called The Two Deadliest. ‘Tales of Lust, Greed, and Murder from Outstanding Women of Mystery’. I had to put the book aside for a couple of weeks but that’s okay. With a book of short stories, it’s easy to pick up where I left off. I’m lovin’ it. So, I must duck back into the world of deliciously evil and then move on to the next delectable work of fiction.

You’ll hear from me again when I come up for air.