Even after publishing twenty books, I still love the anticipation and excitement of launching a new title. During May I spent most of my “office time” preparing for the June 14  launch of  Mrs Lee and Mrs. Gray. I’m  thrilled to have received great reviews from the major journals including Publishers Weekly and Romantic Times Reviews, and a starred review from the American Library Association’s  Booklist.

Here’s the cool badge they sent.

I’ve loved writing all of my books for different reasons, but writing the story of Mary Custis Lee and Selina Norris Gray has given me the deepest pleasure of all. I hope readers will sense my passion for the true story of  these two courageous women and for the friendship they shared. To help publicize the book  I’ve been writing a few articles and giving interviews which is great fun as I love the chance to share this story with readers who may not know that Mary was an accomplished painter and editor, for instance, or that Selina took care of Arlington, Mary’s home, during the Civil War, and stopped looters from taking away all of President Washington’s belongings.

Outside of “office time” Ron and I explored a couple of new restaurants. The Bread Box is a tiny place inside Artisan’s Alley, one of the coolest collections of antique stores, pottery shops, and galleries in the city. They have a beautiful shaded outdoor area perfect for a long lunch. The food is fabulous. We ended up buying cupcakes and Napoleons to bring home. We went to Sewasdee, a Thai restaurant not far from our house where I tried something new–a pumpkin curry. The best curry I’ve ever had, with just the right balance of sweet and spicy.

Our outdoor plans for the month have been thwarted by rain so I had a chance to catch up on reading.  Coming up: We’re collectors of old maps and can’t wait see an exhibit of antique maps at the Witte Museum, including a map made by the father of Texas, Stephen F Austin. And now that June is here, the outdoors beckons. We’re planning a couple of short trips to the Highland Lakes region of Texas, and a trip to Stonewall, the home of President Johnson, to buy some luscious Texas peaches. The growing conditions this year were excellent and we’re expecting an outstanding crop. Peach cobbler and peach ice cream are on the menu this month. I wish you all could join me for dessert and conversation on the patio.

Till next time, here’s wishing you a great launch for your summer plans.