When the Weather Closes In...

It’s the time of year when I hate -- having to face the cold. I’m not one of those snow bunnies who can hardly wait for the snow…except for the extra, guilt-free reading time it gives me! Really, who can feel too bad about curling up inside when the temp dips below freezing and the wind is blowing? It’s the perfect time to try out some new authors. And I’m actively looking for some writers I’d like to spend time with this winter. A friend has recommended David Rosenfelt – I like dog mysteries, so will give him a read.

I’m also looking at some horse mysteries. I love the Carolyn Banks’ dressage-themed horse mysteries and have read Sara Gruen’s Riding Lessons and enjoyed it as well. So I’m picking up more Sara Gruen, along with Horseplay: A Novel by Judy Reene Singer.

I’m going to explore some more cozy mysteries – I’ve been finding I really like them, too…and for some reason the cooking and tea ones are the ones I’m drawn to. So, I’m looking for authors in that genre as well. Joanne Fluke is one writer I’ve enjoyed trying – she writes very visually and you can almost smell the cookies baking. Laura Childs is another must-read and I love how she makes her characters really feel like friends. Can hardly wait for a new title to come out.

My Kindle has titles by authors I’ve always enjoyed reading and I know I can count on for a good story! I know I’ll enjoy a snowy afternoon defeating the bad guys and finding the guilty parties with these titles, and that’s always fun.

But it’s also very rewarding to find a favorite new author…so, go ahead, load up your ereader or your shopping cart with some “sure-to-please” or some “new-to-me” authors. That way, you don’t have to dread the weather forecast.

Libby McKinmer
Romance with an edge
www.libbymckinmer.com
libby@libbymckinmer.com

Winter People

Despite the cold, there are people for whom this is the best time of the year. I'm not one of them, but those who are winter people, must be loving 2009 so far. The below average temperatures and lots of precipitation have meant there's lots of snow for schlussing down steep hills, driving snow machines along forest trails and feeling that first nibble on a line in an ice fishing shack.

I can't begrudge them their fun, despite the fact I'd rather be inside than outside when it's as cold as it's been! They've waited eight or nine months to get to their favorite time of the year, so it's only fair they enjoy it.

I'm looking forward to warmer weather -- time to ride the horses again, watch the veggies and herbs grow, paddle in the swimming pool.

But for those who love winter....enjoy! I'll watch you through the window, then sit by the fireplace with a nice cuppa and wait for spring.