Happy New Year

 So, it's 2026. The older I get, the faster time seems to go. My grandmother once told me that once a person turns 40, time speeds up—and I've found that to be true.

2025 marked a couple of anniversaries: My husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary and it was the 20th anniversary of the publication of my first book Sacred Cows.

Last year, I also signed a contract for my next Tudor crime novel, A Defiant Woman, which will be coming out on March 3. I'm so thrilled that Booklist has given it a starred review: 

"With a satisfying end and the promise of further installments, this reimagined nod to Henry VIII’s wives is both entertaining and may spark interest in the historical figures who inspired these fictional representations. Fans of Henry VIII’s wives and/or Liane Moriarty, Hank PhillppiRyan, or Laura Dave will enjoy every moment."

I started writing the third in the series—and I'm hoping that my publisher will want to publish it. As I start 2026, I'm about a third of the way through it and again immersing myself in my modern Tudor world.

The last book that I read in 2025 was The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer, and it was a lovely way to end the year. All about the illegal egg trade in the UK, with different timelines, the book is surprising and delightful.

The first book I've read in 2026 is Michael Kardos's Fun City Heist, about an aging rock star who is drawn back into his former band for one last gig—and a robbery of the venue where they'll play. It reminded me somewhat of Matt Goldman's Nils Shapiro series in tone, but Mo is an intriguing character and the plot was a lot of fun. I don't know if it will become a series, but if it does, I'll be sure to read more. 

I don't like making resolutions—they are too easy to break—but I have again signed onto Goodreads's yearly reading challenge. Every year I set my goals at 60 books and I usually exceed that. Last year I read or listened to about 80. One of the good things about retirement from the day job is the time to read as much as I want. I listen to audiobooks when I'm on my daily walks.

This year will be busy, what with the debut of A Defiant Woman and a small book tour and a couple of  freelance editing gigs that I'm looking forward to working on—as well as finishing up Tudor Three, as I'm calling it. We also have a big trip planned to Germany, Austria and Switzerland that will be memorable for so many reasons. 

While time seems to be moving a bit too quickly—and the world feels as though it's sometimes too much to bear—a good book and a cup of tea with a cat on my lap is the best way to slow down and enjoy a few moments of peace and contentment.

Happy 2026!