The gorgeous pictures above were taken while we were in Miami this past January doing research for a new romantic suspense project, HEARTSTOPPER. After an unusually gray and cold winter here in the Lou, it was wonderful to spend a week in warm, sunny Miami, which happens to be one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s also the perfect setting for the story. Since I have already written three other books set in Miami, it was fun to revisit familiar places. We stayed on Collins Avenue in South Beach again, and the restaurants and nightlife are every bit as wonderful as we remembered from the trip to research FINDERS KEEPERS, SNEAK AND RESCUE, and HOMELAND SECURITY. Once again the police came through for us, even giving us a tour of the Homicide Bureau and arranging for us to spend an afternoon at the Medical Examiner’s Office. Since the new book concerns people dying because of a mysterious drug, what better source? Everyone we spoke with was more than helpful and we deeply appreciate their professionalism and courtesy.

While the twisty plot for HEARTSTOPPER simmers on a back burner, I have some exciting news about our House of Dreams Series of historical romances! My editor loved the first book, LOVE LESSONS AT MIDNIGHT, so much that she has offered a contract for two more books. LOVE LESSONS will be out this July and the next two books in 2011. Please check the Upcoming Section for a teaser from the first book, and watch for more to come until its release in July. I’m really excited to be working on the next installment. The people from the House of Dreams have tugged at my heartstrings ever since I finished LOVE LESSONS last year.

On other fronts, Jim and I spent a week with our friends Carol and Ken Reynard in Michigan at the end of January, having a late Christmas and general good time. After being out of town so much, it’s good to be home once more with our two boisterous tomcats, Inky and Pewter. And, now it’s time for me to start hitting the keyboard every day until Jeni and Blake’s story is finished. Can’t think of a better way to spend the end of winter than escaping back to Regency England with all its glitter and glamour during the “Season” of 1817. Oh, for Jim’s take on our Miami trip, be sure to read his new Newsletter, and catch any of the old ones you might have missed.

Spring’s just around the corner here in the lower Midwest. Regardless of where you live or what the weather is like, just curl up with a good book and before you know it, those first crocus will be blooming. And, if you’re like me, cooking can cure cabin fever, too. I just tried a new recipe for Meyer Lemon Cake that turned out really great. If you’re of a mind, just click on recipes and then give the cake a try while Meyer lemons are still available in grocery stores!

Happy reading (and baking),

Shirl