Three Authors I “Know”

The Last Flight of the Starleap – Simon Panneton – @spanneton on X

“Ghosts, after all, cannot mount daring rescue missions, they cannot pilot spaceships, they cannot fight, and they cannot save their loved ones, no matter how badly they may want to.
But I could, Ellie will say, if you show me how…”

When I Grow Up I Want to be A Chair – Ryan Rae Harbuck – @RyanRaeHarbuck on X

“Her story is not about a chair. Her story is about her strengths and how they rose out of her instinctive vulnerabilities.“

Watercolor Dreams – Book 1 of Jake Moriarity series – R. G. Ryan – @RGRyan777 on X

“Jake Moriarity…a lost soul in a desperate search to find this lost girl. Moriarity can save her, but first, he has to find her. And the only thing he has to go on is like a watercolor painting that has been left out in the rain with all the colors running together.“

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I’m an avid reader. I love to get lost in a book – a world different from mine – a place to escape and live in another’s shoes for a while. I have several favorite authors and a good collection of a bunch of their books. I re-read them in an ongoing basis, adding to my collection if my favorites are still with me and writing, treasuring the worlds and characters they created if they’re not.

Rarely I find new authors who speak to me. Somehow in the past year I’ve found THREE – Simon Panneton, Ryan Rae Harbuck, and R. G. Ryan. I found them on X and follow them – and have actually exchanged messages with them. I’ve found them to be caring and interesting people, in addition to writing books I love. Isn’t that amazing and wonderful?

I’ve read the three books I’ve listed above and highly recommend each of them to you. I’ve provided a link to each book so you can find them easily on Amazon. Each will touch you and leave you changed – enriched – MORE.

Go ahead – dive in!

A Little Reading Is a Dangerous Thing

Angela Mia De la Vega -signaturegalleries.com

I have read several good books lately, am re-reading other favorites, and looking forward to more –

Watercolor Dreams – Jake Moriarty Book 1 by R.G. Ryan

I reread this one the past two days. I enjoy Ryan’s sense of humor, wit, and the interaction of the real characters he has created. My favorite line in this book is, “I’ll not describe what transpired next, because nobody wants to see a grown man cry.” Jake is a really skilled ‘finder of lost things’ but also has a heart that be touched by purity and love. I follow R.G. Ryan on X. He told me that he’s written 15 Jake Moriarity books, 8 are published with #9 scheduled for a May release. I have #2 Finding Wonderland, Jake Moriarity Book 2 downloaded onto my Kindle, ready to be enjoyed. :0)

Identity – Nora Roberts

“It was Morgan who let the monster in. “Luke” is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.”

This is a well-crafted story, as usual for Nora Roberts. You get caught up in the situation and the characters right off the bat and hate to stop reading. I bought this as a temporary-Kindle offering, but will probably buy it when it comes out in paperback to add it to my permanent collection.

Legacy – Nora Roberts

This is the one I’m re-reading now.

“Adrian starts getting death threats as a routine part of her celebrity, and she can’t help but find the vicious rhymes unsettling. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…”

I’m thoroughly engrossed in this one right now, having trouble stopping to get anything done. :0)

Finding Wonderland – Jake Moriarity Book 2 by R.G. Ryan

When I finish this one, I have R.G. Ryan’s Finding Wonderland waiting…

Happiness is a Stack of Books

“Reading In The Library” – Peter Walters via @GregCatarino1 on X

I’ve been enjoying re-reading my collection of J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) In Death series in preparation for reading the latest ones in paperback.

Right now I’m re-reading Desperation in Death, #55 in the series. I have the paperback of Encore in Death waiting and will get Payback in Death at the end of this month or the beginning of next month. The newest hardback, Random in Death, will be released in at the end of January 2024. I’ll have to wait until that one is released in paperback to get it.

I’ve been doing five main things lately – working in the yard, trying to etch glassware, revamping my Etsy site, listening to music, and reading. This makes for some super nice days and evenings and I’m feeling quite spoiled. I’m THINKING about adding more housework and exercise to the mix, but am only doing the minimum on housework (I’m a slob) and only my yoga stretching on the exercises so far. Maybe I’ll do better when I’ve finished reading my new wealth of books…

42

Gregorio Catarino – @gregcatarino on X

I have preordered the paperback version of J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) “Payback in Death” that will be released December 26th.

To celebrate, I’m rereading the In Death series, totally enjoying being immersed again in LT. Eve Dallas’ world in about 2060 for book #42, “Brotherhood in Death.”

“Payback in Death” is #57 in the series, and #58 – “Random In Death” – is due out in hardback at the end of January 2024.”

Even though Eve Dallas is a murder cop and has to deal with the worst that humans can do to one another, the whole series is about grabbing what’s true, what’s good in life, trying to absorb as much of what’s right in the world as you can, treasuring the people who make our world special.

Eve has made it a point to be strong and independent, self-sufficient, almost impenetrable, and yet in each book in the series, she opens up a bit more, lets more in, cares more, understands what is important more. She prides herself on her objectivity and can-do attitude, but what makes her the best at her job is her humanity and caring.

Dr. Seuss Wisdom

My Book

Out to Lunch – flickr.com

sent to me by my friend, Carol

Small Victory

Kindle Fire 7 (I think)

I’ve had an epic battle with myself to try to use my Kindle. I really prefer REAL books, rather than electronic, although I have to admit the Kindle fits in my purse much easier than a book, and the light it has is nice. My real preference is hard back books, but those are too expensive and take up too much room on my already stuffed bookshelves.

I’ve been using it recently because I’ve recently re-read all my paperbacks. I have some on pre-order, but I was spending more than I wanted on used paperbacks, and so finally decided to try Kindle Unlimited, since I could try new writers free (for three months) and then it would be $10/month to continue after that. (They have now emailed me that the monthly price will now increase to $12/month, but that’s still less than I’ve been paying for used paperbacks and I’m enjoying trying authors at no cost so far.)

I’ve already run into a problem – too many books on my Kindle for easy access. I can’t tell from looking at my Kindle which books I’ve already read and things were getting clogged up. I got on my computer a few minutes ago and started poking around to see if I could find out how to manage what was on the Kindle.

I poked and poked and finally found a ‘manage content on your devices‘ on Amazon. I’ve spent the last 20 minutes or so deleting the ones I’ve already read after downloading three more books from an author new to me. I guess that new authors allow people to access their work on Kindle Unlimited for a time and then, when the person has decided they like their writing, there are no more free books available. That makes sense, but I’m a bit ticked, to be honest.

I have now deleted everything I’ve read from three different authors and have only new stuff on my ‘device.‘ VICTORY! (A small one, I know, but can you see my hands in the air (virtually, since I need my fingers on the keys to type this) ? :0)

Now I’ll start a list on my computer of the new authors I’ve found, have read all the free stuff from, and want to continue to read in the future sometime. It’s nice to figure out a plan where I can feed my voracious reading habit without putting us in the poor house, plus be able to manage what is on my Kindle, plus not lose track of authors I enjoyed. HOORAY!

Challenged

Unknown

I think I told you that I recently found some JD Robb “In Death” series novellas that I didn’t have. These were in-between the normal numbered series that includes 57 books so far. (I have 55 of them. “Encore in Death” is out in hardback now. I’ll wait for it to be available in paperback. “Payback in Death” will be available in hardback in September of this year.)

I read the JD Robb parts of each of the groups of novellas I bought in paperback. I’ve just finished going back and reading the novellas by OTHER authors in each of those books. I found one author who intrigued me. Her name is Elaine Fox. I bought three books and had them downloaded on my Kindle.

I don’t use my Kindle much. I mainly use it for cookbooks, since I HATE buying an expensive cookbook and only finding a few recipes we like in it. Buying them via Kindle makes them affordable and also DELETABLE if we aren’t happy with them.

I just tried to access the three new books I bought via Amazon. They weren’t showing, and then I got a notice my Kindle wasn’t connected to the Internet. The problem got worse from there.

Since my patience runs out like water from a cup on technological things, I quickly got frustrated. My husband is now trying to help me get things straightened out. Between the two of us, we can figure things out most of the time – eventually.

I’m thinking of advertising for a teenager to come live with us to help us with all things electronic. I’m also thinking of advertising for a big, hunky guy with a great sense of humor who will come live with us and help us with all the heavy stuff inside and outside the house that have become a challenge for us. Between the two “adoptees” we ought to be able to smile and enjoy life. :0)

The World of J.D. Robb

I’m starting to re-read this one today. It’s # 51 in the “In Death” series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I only have 4 more before I dive into the newest paperback in my collection, “Desperation in Death” #55. #56, “Encore in Death” is due to be out in hardback at the end of this month. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait – 6 months at least, before they will allow me to pre-order the paperback. It’s another character-building exercise for me. :0)

In the meantime, I’m thoroughly enjoying the world of Lieutenant Eve Dallas, futuristic murder cop in New York.

Book Number 55

I pre-ordered the paperback several months ago. It came out finally on Dec. 27th and I received it yesterday. I have carefully put in on my desk, waiting for me to enjoy re-reading my way up to diving into the latest installment of the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) In Death Series, Desperation in Death.

Nora Roberts has created a future world cast with characters that I find down-to-the-ground wonderful. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a lady who embodies courage, commitment, and determination to be the best, to get justice for people who have been murdered. I couldn’t admire her more. All the people in this series are fleshed out more and more as you read. You feel as if you could walk up to them and start a real conversation, knowing their backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses, considering them friends.

I’m starting to re-read the 13th book in the series, Seduction in Death, today. The newest one is #55. Nice way to spend part of the new year.

“Lovers and Dreamers”

I’m in the middle of a wonderful trilogy by Nora Roberts called, Lovers and Dreamers. The trilogy includes Daring To Dream, Holding the Dream, and Finding the Dream. Three women who were raised together, though one is the daughter of the housekeeper, and one was adopted as a child when her parents died, all have dreams that are quite difficult to achieve. It’s wonderful to see how they challenge each other, support each other, and love each other in their quests. Of course, they each find intriguing men they can’t resist. :0)

Terrific huge trilogy in one book for escape from whatever is bothering you. In reading about these three women, you are encouraged to have your own dreams, as well.

Favorite Day

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I’m enjoying working my way through some biographies of people I find fascinating. I’ve read one on Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn, so far. I’m reading one of Cary Grant now, and I have one on Johnny Carson and another on Rush Limbaugh waiting. I got these from the library book sale and they are a wonderful change from my usual reading.

I ordered some used books from ThriftBooks.com recently and they should be delivered soon. I feel rich when I have books on the way or have just received a good handful. :0)

Character-Building Exercise – Patience?

I received the paperback The Becoming, Part 2 of the Dragonheart Legacy trilogy by Nora Roberts about a week ago. I reread, The Awakening first, then dived into The Becoming. I finished it and now I wait.

The hardback edition of The Choice is out this month. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait for the paperback, but I’ll pre-order it as soon as it shows as available to do that.

I’m really caught up in the characters and story of this trilogy and I really don’t want to have to wait to find out what happens. That’s where the character-building comes in. You’d think with as old as I am, I would have developed more by now…

Meanwhile, The paperback edition of Desperation in Death (# 55 in the series) by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) will be arriving at my door around December 27th, a wonderful Christmas present for me. I may decide to reread all the previous books before the new one comes…

Book Delight!

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I preordered a paperback of one of the Nora Roberts’ trilogy The Dragonheart Legacy books SEVERAL months ago.

I had the first one, The Awakening, and loved it. I had preordered the paperback of the second one – The Becoming.

I received it yesterday. I will re-read the first one before I dive into the second.

The third one – The Choice – won’t even be available in hardback until November. I’ll check in December or early next year to see if I can preorder that paperback.

I feel very lucky to be able to look forward to continuing this adventure.

Note: Speaking of lucky – I think I have another J.D. Robb IN DEATH series paperback book arriving at the end of December!

The Joy of Reading

I was on ThriftBooks.com looking for more paperbacks by Linda Howard and discovered, to my delight, books I hadn’t read by Nora Roberts! I didn’t think such a thing existed!

Now I have used books coming by BOTH and I feel quite rich in anticipation.

Delight on the Way!

William Hazlitt-sayingimages.com

Linda Howard writes wonderful books into which I can escape – a priceless thing. I can immediately immerse myself in a world she has created, shedding my concerns, relaxing, and restoring.

Between Thrift Books and Amazon, I can get good prices on used paperbacks. I just bought 6 books online for the price of ONE hardback book. When I buy 4 or more, I can get free shipping from Thrift Books, though they take longer to arrive than if I order from Amazon. I just plan ahead so I don’t run out before I receive my next treasure trove. :0)

I’m saving these books because I know I’ll enjoy reading them again. I have so many I have a list in a spreadsheet on my computer so I don’t mess up and buy a duplicate. I refined my list today by alphabetizing the list, instead of just listing them in the order I’ve purchased them. Upstairs I’m shelving them by publishing year, so I can enjoy her earlier work first when I re-read. I also have any series of books she’s written placed together on the shelves.

I almost lost my love of reading when I was in school. I was forced to read so MUCH, having to regurgitate it in what passes for ‘learning.’ By the time I had my Masters’ Degree as a reading specialist, I read everything as if I would be tested on it, give a synopsis of it, discuss the symbolism, or other such drivel. I taught reading in public schools in Tulsa, OK for eight years and then in my own private reading clinic for another three. My students got me excited about teaching THEM the joy of being ABLE to read, and read for pleasure, but it took ME several years to believe it again for my own reading.

One grateful lady here that I got it back!

Remember When

John Drysdale-vintag.es

My SIL told me about “Remember When” – a book written half by “Nora Roberts” and the other half by “J.D. Robb.” I was unaware of this book and so searched, found, and ordered it. I’m reading the first part now.

The synopsis is – Remember When (2003) is a novel by Nora Roberts and J. D. Robb (the author, writing under two of her pseudonyms). The second half of the book is part of the In Death series, taking place between Imitation in Death and Divided in Death. The plot follows a diamond robbery, over a span of 56 years.

I’m not sure whether Nora was trying to introduce more of her readers to her pseudonym J.D. Robb with her In Death series, or was just intrigued by unsolved crimes. I’m finding it fascinating.

Never Too Late

Turn the Page Bookstore-Instagram.com

I’m still enjoying my discovery of Linda Howard. She writes sensual thrillers, I guess you would call them. Her characters are strongly drawn, with the main character a strong woman facing character-building/scary situations. I get Amazon and Thrift Books websites up at the same time, seeing what each has to offer on her used books.

I finally finished cleaning out and reorganizing my bedroom bookshelves upstairs (HOORAY!) , and so I now have room for my new collection.

Happiness

Pat Hall

Hanford Sentinel

I read this book yesterday. I would LIKE to believe that Tyler Henry is, indeed, a medium and that he CAN be a conduit for people. I will remain skeptical until I can get my OWN reading by him, and that won’t happen. It is an interesting book. I was hard-pressed to put it down yesterday. I felt a push to read what he had to say. I will probably read it again soon, more slowly, trying to digest some of the profound things he said. A lot to think about. I will also get his second book, Here & Hereafter, when it becomes more affordable.

Lazy Monday

Barbara Trauch

This shows you how I feel today. I’m not aware of any sleeping problems last night – I just feel incredibly lazy today.

I made two phone calls this morning first thing –

1. to our local library to see if they were now taking book donations. We’ve always made a point of taking our books to donate for their book sale/fund raisers, but during the pandemic they stopped taking donations or having the sales. The librarian sounded pleased I called, so I’ll turn my sights toward gathering a good donation.
2. to our local propane supplier for fill-ups on our two propane tanks. We got one tank for the house when we built it in 1987. We got just another small tank years afterward to power the heater in our shop. We top both off once a year. In the last year they have gone to a phone tree system that is apparently service-area wide. Between bad choices and then too-loud music on hold, it’s quite annoying to get to a real person. THEN – that person is apparently in a call center, judging from the background noise, and English is a second language. It took me 20 minutes of giving information and answering questions to schedule the fill-ups for some time in the coming week or next. Nothing is easy anymore.

A Celebration of Reading

I’m pretty much deciding that my next big project will be getting my books under control – going through what I have, deciding what can be donated, and reorganizing the rest. I’ll continue what I have started upstairs and work my way down. We have books in almost every room, so this will take awhile.

fb/barefootfive – brooke hampton

I wish you a good Monday.

Thursday 8-18-2022

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Hi! We’re having another ‘cool’ day, at 86, for the high this afternoon. We tried to just have open doors and ceiling fans yesterday, but it was too humid. It’s humid again this morning, so we’re going to keep the a/c on, but I’ll take it. Such a nice relief.

Active Babies – Smart Kids

I had a good time in the art room yesterday and finished the cards that I hope my friend will like. I sent her pics to see what she says.

Facebook

Today is DAY 34 of my daily yoga practice. I’m having to push myself again, because my hips and knees have been talking to me for the past several days, but I’m concentrating on slow and steady, with fewer reps to get me through it.

Times of India

I’m now muttering to my scales that I don’t appreciate “sarcastic scale humor” whatsoever, but mine is delighting in its newfound ability to smirk and laugh at me. One of these days, I’ll wipe the smile off its face.

Nizar Fahmi

Just as I’m finishing my ‘last’ Linda Thomas paperback, I received part of my new order of her books yesterday. It’s getting harder to find used paperbacks by Linda Thomas, but I’ll redouble my efforts when I start getting low again. Right now I feel rich in books. :0)

One of the things on my to-do list today is to work on reorganizing some of my books. Hopefully, by the end of the day, I’ll have a better handle on things.

Have a wonderful day.

One Box

sent to me by a friend

Reading for pleasure is a very personal thing – unique to each individual.

My husband and I don’t even use the same SALT, so it hasn’t surprised me that our reading tastes are so vastly different.

We do agree on a few authors – Robert B. Parker and Lee Child – to name two just off the top of my head. I was surprised, though, that my husband decided to try one of Linda Howard’s books recently. She is a ‘new’ author to me – recommended by a friend – and I enjoy her writing a lot. I’ve just ordered my third ‘tranche’ of used paperback books by her. My husband likes her work, too, and so now we have a new thing so we can keep track.

I have a list on my computer of the books of hers I have ordered and read. We keep the actual books I’ve received on our communal desk area in the middle of the room between our computer areas in our office. They stay there until both of us have read them, and then they find their way upstairs. We have agreed to check with each other before the books go on the stairs to be taken up. :0)

Books

sent to me by a dear friend

I just ordered more Linda Howard books. My husband and I are both enjoying them. I’m keeping a list of the ones we have and have read, and ones we have ordered so it makes it easier when I’m trying to order more.

Since we try to watch our money, we buy used paperbacks or the Kindle versions when applicable. I toggle back and forth when I find a book we don’t have, seeing what it costs used on Amazon vs Thriftbooks, buying from both sources.

I feel rich when we have more on the way. :0)

I Got It, Read It…

forward from a friend

One of the packages that I told you the UPS driver left on our robot on Wednesday to spend the night outside before we found it and another package before the rain started Thursday was the “Abandoned in Death” book by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) that I pre-ordered in February for when it was available in paperback.

I was in the middle of another book, but dived into my much-anticipated book as soon as I could. Once I started it, I found it very hard to put it down. Life and obligations kept getting in the way, so I found myself last night reading in the living room until early this morning to finish it.

It was like a reunion with old friends you feel as if you haven’t seen in forever. As usual, the ‘crime’ was all encompassing. I can never figure out who the perpetrator is, no matter how much I think about it.

The next book in the series, “Desperation in Death” will come out in paperback in December of this year, and I’ve pre-ordered it. There is another – #56 – “Encore in Death” – that will come out in hardback in February of 2023, and will probably be available in paperback sometime late in the year.

I always feel a bit sad when I’ve read all available paperbacks for awhile. It’s good that she’s such a prolific writer that I have something to look forward to.

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Funny Problem

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I’ve told you I discovered Linda Howard’s books recently, due to a recommendation from one of my dearest friends. I’m purchasing them for my Kindle, plus used copies of paperbacks, which I prefer.

I told my husband that I really liked her work, and he decided to read one.

Our funny problem is that – even though I just purchased 6 or 7 books lately, he had read all of them – before me – except the one I am reading now. :0)

I’ll probably finish it today, but we’ve both been given a nice gift by my friend. I’ll have to look for more good deals on used books so I can keep my husband supplied!

Nice Afternoon

Gfycat

I’ve had a very nice afternoon.

I turned on the a/c upstairs – it’s 104 F. actual temperature – who knows what the heat index is – and painted for a couple of hours this afternoon. Things are definitely coming together on the Christmas gifts I’m painting. I listened to some of my favorite music while I painted and had a great time.

Reviewed

I came downstairs and was going to read, but ended up asleep in my recliner with the book on top of me. :0) I feel much more rested now.

Tenor

Then it was about 5:00 and I hadn’t done my yoga practice for the day, so I did that, and earned my sparkly star on my calendar.

Now I’m enjoying time on my computer and will soon fix dinner for us.

NICE afternoon.

Kindling

When I went to find more Linda Howard books, I couldn’t find used paperbacks, so the best option was to download them on my new Kindle.

I found her “Western Ladies Series” – A Lady of the West, Angel Creek, and The Touch of Fire.

Though I really prefer to have real books in my hands, I love the speed of acquisition of the Kindle. I just hope that these are going into the cloud somewhere so if my Kindle gets wonky, I don’t lose my collection. I only keep books on there that I want to read again sometime in the future.

Sent to me by a dear friend.

Talking to Myself

from my friend, Cathy.

The only thing better than reading a book is reading more than one at once, as I was doing yesterday.

I finished this one and will start another of her “CIA series” today.

And then, since I got my new Kindle reader yesterday, I read the introduction to this new cookbook and will start browsing through the recipes today. I really hope this has nice, basic, easy recipes.

Yesterday I looked at one recipe on the net that sounded like it might be good. I stopped reading when I counted FIVE ingredients my husband wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot-pole…

I MAY have to just concentrate on adding more veggies and fruit, serving less red meat, eating more fish, rather than trying to follow any particular recipes, but I’m HOPING to get a bit more help than that.

Book Recommendation

sent to me by a friend

I’m thoroughly enjoying reading another John Grisham book. It’s called, “Sooley” and it’s totally different than any book by Grisham I’ve ever read. It’s about a South Sudanese boy who is trying to better himself and help his family by playing basketball.

I’m not a huge basketball fan, but you don’t need to be to thoroughly enjoy this book. You’ll find yourself pulling for Sooley, tearing up at what is happening with his family and his reaction to it, thoroughly immersed in this sensitive, beautiful book.

I don’t know how it will end, but I consider this one of Grisham’s best books.

A Day of Food, So Far

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I JUST finished getting the ingredients for beef stew in the crock pot for dinner tonight, and eggs hard-boiled. I cleaned the fridge out a bit, too, and am now running the dishwasher, having filled it up already this morning. In a few minutes it’ll be time to fix LUNCH. Too much time around food!

I plan to be lazy much of the rest of the day, unless it actually rains and cools off. I finished a Lee Child book yesterday, Past Tense. It was the usual very well-written Reacher series book. Lee is writing with his son, Andrew, now. I’m not sure what that will do to the quality and flavor of the books.

Today I’ll start enjoying a Grisham book my husband passed to me recently.

Hope you’re staying safe and cool.

New Author to Me

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My friend Marsha recommended Open Season by Linda Howard. I’m reading it now.

For some strange reason, I tend to try a new author with intense skepticism, assuming I won’t like him or her. This seems to be a gut-level response and I can’t talk myself out of it. But I force myself to try the new author anyway, and many times find I’m really glad I did.

Linda Howard has a great sense of humor. Though it took me awhile to warm up to the main character, I like her now. She is encountering danger now, though she isn’t aware of it yet. The fact that you, the reader, ARE aware is a good technique. I’m drawn in more and more as I read. I want to know what happens now.