Swim to Me by Betsy Carter

Remember going to Jones Beach and watching the water aerobics. Remember grandiose movies of the 40’s portraying Esther Williams in her captivating role as the star of a team of lithe swimmers dancing to the musical masterpieces in her spandex bathing suit?

This is the story of a young girl who has aspirations of becoming a mermaid. She has visited Weeki Wachee Springs, a local mermaid attraction and become entranced by the concept. She leaves her Bronx home one summer and auditions for a part in the mermaid troupe. She is accepted and discovers she has a natural talent for the sport.

Delores may lead a sheltered life in a small apartment in the Bronx but she has dreams.
Her dreams motivate her to act and she discovers hope and success in a small town in Florida. She also discovers herself in the process.

A light-hearted, tender, coming-of-age story about a young girl who has a dream and puts her nose to the grindstone to make it come true.

Ladybookbug!

The Widow by Carla Neggers

The most recent title of this prolific author, it caught my attention on a recent “busman’s holiday” excursion to a local bookstore. I guess I’m like a chocoholic in a candy shop. Working in a library and the occasional foray into a bookstore or two, helps to fuel my addiction to an art form that transforms me.

Though not an avid reader of romance paperbacks, I do find a good author from time to time. If you would enjoy reading a story that incorporates some romance and yet keeps you turning the page in pursuit of the answer to a mystery then this genre’s for you.

The Widow is about a newly married homicide detective whose husband is killed on their honeymoon. Mystery abounds off the coast of Maine as the intrigue leads the reader through a maze of family secrets, suspect photographs, crumbling ruins and former assignations.

Other titles you may enjoy are Stonebrook Cottage about a newly appointed defense attorney who returns to her childhood home in search of tranquility only to find it disrupted by the suspicious death of an old friend OR Breakwater, the story of Quinn, a former member of the United States Justice Department tries to solve the murder of a former associate.

Negger’s stories are about strong, accomplished women who risk everything to solve a crime and do so successfully.

If nothing else, they inspire all of us to reach the top of our profession using all the abilities we are gifted with.

Ladybookbug!