A new start of a week, another stab at a resolution. After all, it’s not a good idea to advocate other people performing chores I’m hesitant to do. So, for fifteen minutes, WITH A CUP OF COFFEE, I’m going to blog. And blog about books I’m reading or interested about. Had a spot of emergency surgery last week and managed to contract a really nasty chest and lung infection with it. What is it with going to the hospital and all those germs attacking poor defenseless sick people? I mean, really, how rude! Anyway, the thought of a nice hot bath, complete with bubbles and a nice book or two sounded very appealing. Only problem, I’ve got too many hardcover and trade size books — definitely NOT accident resistant — so I settled (what a nice way of putting it) — for a couple of older favorites. Suzanne Enoch’s first adventure into contemporary. A mistress of the big historical romance, FLIRTING WITH DANGER is her first published trial of the chick lit meets a bit of suspense tome. Set in Palm Beach, based on the lovely classic movie, To Catch a Thief, FLIRTING WITH DANGER does a switcheroo — the…

Linda Francis Lee signing DEVIL Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Wednesday was exciting — nail day, always a treat to be beautiful and one of our favorite people came to town! It’s always wonderful to see Linda, she’s moved away to the Big Apple, but she is still always at home in Texas. She got up early to be on the local morning show in Dallas and went around town signing copies of her latest — THE DEVIL IN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE — but she still looked as beautiful as ever! She was very patient with all of us and signed our copies of THE DEVIL — a treat to read, honestly! Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.

Mud Pie, Fruit Tart and Almond carmel Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Our Victorian Tea was a success. Well, all we did was show up — hungry — Mindy and Alan did the rest! And wow, what a job they did. Three full courses: finger sandwiches — ham & cheese biscuits, three-layered cucumber asparagas, and our best-loved chicken curry. Followed by scones with jams and clotted cream. Ah, the scones! And that blueberry flan as Gwen called it! I got full on them! No way to eat them all and then have dessert! I tried, honestly, but thank goodness for goodie bags. Because there is NO way I was leaving the mud pie and Almond tart. (I’ll admit I had to eat the fruit tart there, and it was yummy!). Now, what am I forgetting? Oh, dear, not possibly the delicious Pear Caramel tea? Have no fear! That was so good, you’ve got to share the source! It was beyond sublime and I think it’d make a great iced tea too! And our little parting gifts — minature tea cup sets. A thumbell size dollop to get me through *grin* Thanks, Mindy, you are the best hostess! Visit FreshFiction.com to learn…

Candace Havens signing CHARMED & READY Originally uploaded by freshfiction. It was a very busy Saturday — first we had to get to North Richland Hills for Candace Haven’s signing of CHARMED & READY and then back to Las Colinas for our “Victorian” Tea. But we did it! Candace was GORGEOUS, she was dressed to kill or kick some, you know what, down to the boots with the stiletto heels! Oh MY!!! And since I’ve read and raved already about CHARMED & READY I won’t say more than, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GET IT! READ IT! You’ll laugh with Bronwyn as she tries to juggle work and a jealous boyfriend, and sigh over Zane — what a gorgeous hunk! We should have such a tough choice! CHARMED & READY is a delightful way to spend an afternoon or evening. Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.

Dorothea and Faye Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Along with our own Faye during an author visit at Gwinnett County Public Library near Atlanta. Joining the Tuesday night Book Club, Faye has a copy of the latest Low Country novel, FULL OF GRACE. Good reading! Ah, you look lovely as usual, Faye! The rich atmosphere of South Carolina, Hilton Head and Charleston, is brought vividly to life by Dorothea Benton Frank, a South Carolina native who, with her exquisitely evocative prose, makes you smell the sea air, see the palmettos, and savor the sweet tea, but this time it comes with a side of antipasti. Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.

Harry Hunsicker Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Plano Mystery Book Club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Preston Park Barnes and Noble. The guest for August was Harry Hunsicker, famed Dallas author of the Lee Henry Oswald thrillers set in the steamy underbelly of Dallas. Uh, that would be near the Trinity, right? Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.

Even some of his friends are in the FBI, CIA and… Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Dressed in a dark navy suit with starched blue shirt, Daniel Silva is admittedly a “formal” kind of guy. Standing before a crowd of nearly sixty (yes, I counted them, or estimated by rows plus the standees) avid readers, he took questions about his choice of villain, his childhood and life in Washington, D.C. A former journalist Silva has friends in the CIA, FBI and other government agencies. He’s also married to NBC correspondent Jamie Gangel. Some of his own personal favorite reads are by other spy masters including the great John le Carré, so I felt we had something in common. Can’t wait to read a European spy book. Our trusty photographer took the command to “get more pictures this time” and inundated us with some from every angle although she almost fell down on the job when it was finally my turn to get our book signed. Description in a word: erudite Description in a nutshell: Tall, short-haired, clean shaven with a tan, Daniel Silva although soft-spoken probably does the New York Times crossword with a pen each week. Check out the photos…

Faye, Jayne Ann Krentz, Mindy Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Gwen took this picture outside of the Berkley Party on Friday, 7/28. Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.

IMG_0630 Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Check out the spread at the Penguin party! Not bad. Hobnobbing with authors, editoral staff, publicists, agents, booksellers and more. Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.

Bettina Krahn and Faye Originally uploaded by freshfiction. Friday night was filled with the publishers’ parties. We hit a couple of them before we crashed for the night and the long drive home. Bettina Krahn is one of Faye’s favorite authors attending the Penguin Books party in Atlanta. Here you can see Faye and Bettina enjoying a moment! Don’t miss other pictures from the parties and panels on Friday, July 28th on Flickr. Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.