I have been feeling very guilty lately for not posting on my blog. I’m working on a new book, tentatively titled “Luck Is a Lady.” It is a murder mystery-romance set in small town Texas. I like setting my books in small towns since that is where all the juicy secrets are hidden. However, I do try to include some big city time as well to add a dash of glamour. My goal has been to write 750 words per day during the week, then edit and do marketing stuff on the weekends. I’ve managed to write 32,000 words since late April, so things are going at a clip.

Next week I will be on vacation. It will be great to spend time with my family, but I am also looking forward to sitting in the sun and reading. I love to read, but I just don’t have much time for it. I have bought two books to read while I’m lounging at the beach:.

The first is “House of the Hunted” by Mark Mills. It is set in the Cote D’Azur in 1935 and chronicles death, love and betrayal on the eve of war. I can’t wait to dive in. My second book is “Midnight in Peking” by Paul French, which is the true story of an English woman murdered in Peking in 1937 and the intrigue surrounding her death. I will let you know what I think when I finish.

Of course, what would vacation be without lots of fattening snacks, and summertime also seems like a great time for Mexican food. Here is super easy, bad-for-you dip that my niece likes to make.

Taco Layer Dip

16 oz. sour cream

Package taco seasoning

8 oz. salsa

8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

4 oz. can sliced black olives

Chopped green onions

Mix sour cream with taco season and spread in flat serving dish. Spread salsa over top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Sprinkle top with olives and onions. Serve with taco chips.

Have a great Fourth of July. See you in a few weeks.