Back, Books, and Breakouts

I'm Back! And I have to confess. last month was a total blur. Finished my WIP, revised it, prepped another MS for subs...

Let me start off saying a Big Congratulations! to everyone who completed the A-Z Challenge. I couldn't do it this year, but I think more than a thousand of you did. Great work!

The second of my three Bs up there is a new Book! is coming out June 5, and it is awesome.

Some of you might know Tami Hart Johnson, The Watery Tart, and my critter extraordinaire (link). She's writing a new mystery series. Here's my review of Book 1:

AZALEA ASSAULT (June 5) (link)
by Alyse Carlson (that's TH's pen name)

The first in a new series of gardening-themed mysteries led by amateur sleuth Camellia "Cam" Harris, it's layered and unexpected and very fun. (I kept thinking I knew who the killer was, and I was wrong every time!)

Cam is a lovable, grown-up Nancy Drew-style main character. She's the new PR person for the Roanoke Garden Society, and she's suddenly faced with a murder to manage in her old home town.

She learns new things about her old friends, and as the story progresses, everyone takes a turn being favorite suspect.

It's a quick read, and Carlson kept me guessing all the way to the end. If you're a friend or blog-follower,  you'll enjoy catching dashes of the author's trademark, sassy humor throughout.

Even if you're not a regular cozy-mystery reader, do give this one a whirl. It's twisty, turny, and tons of fun! Can't wait to see what mystery Cam tackles next (in "The Begonia Bribe").

Here's the link to it on Amazon (link). Get it!

Finally, for the Breakout (not acne). Last year about this time, I did a post about my memories of the Kentucky Derby. That post is here (link) if you're interested.

On Saturday, I was all prepared to root for Take Charge Indy or Union Rags, when a 15 to 1 shot, a Mexican jockey riding in his very first Derby on Cinco de Mayo, came out from behind and won the race.

Here's the link to coverage. (link)

I think they said the owner--a man who used to work two jobs, one of which was laying telephone wire at night--bought the winner I'll Have Another (cookie) for $11K.

Source

His son wants to get a hot tub with their winnings.

How much fun is that?

Yes, friends, I confess. I'm a romantic old derby fan, and that was what it's all about.

Dreams. Inspiration.

Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends. It's good to be back! And if you would, leave me an update in the comments section. I'd love to hear your news~ <3