Dear Readers,

Where did summer go? Seriously, how is it already September? I'm so not ready for shorter days and the rainy days that will soon follow.

On a happier note, we made a short trip back to St. Louis to visit friends and family. We managed to squeeze in a lunch at Steak 'n Shake, my favorite burger joint in the Midwest. When I was in high school and college, Steak 'n Shake was the local hangout. We'd scrape together enough money for gas and then circle the lot until we found a parking spot. They have skinny little fries and the best shakes! Back then, the carhops would deliver the food on a tray that hooked over the driver's window. Good times!

I didn't have a chance to get a gooey butter cake (another St. Louis special) while I was there, but my mother-in-law says she occasionally thinks about mailing me one. Crossing my fingers because yum!

The cicadas were in full roar while we were there, and a male cardinal hung out in a nearby tree just for my viewing pleasure. It's funny the things you miss when you move away from your hometown.

Anyway, we're home, and I've been working hard. I'm doing a final polish on the first new Paladin book and writing the synopsis on the second one. I've also been working on another new project. I'm not ready to share the details yet, but soon.

Take care,
Alexis