On the last night of our beach vacation we strolled through one of our favourite bookshops, Browseabout Books, Hubby went one way with Apple and I went the other with J. I was browsing the wonderful paper products and home decor section (all beachy) and Hubby went straight for the books. Not a few minutes into our visit, Hubby was at my side. “Honey, there is an Author over on the book side, signing books, they look like those number ones you love, come and see she is packing up to go.”

When Hubby makes a statement like that, I am off and running. I got to the table and thought I was looking at Ann Douglas and almost hugged the poor woman, only to take a double take and realize that I had never met her before. Nor, had I heard of her books before, but just looking at the covers I knew I was in for a treat.

Standing beside me was Mary Kay Andrews. Mary Kay was there for her new release, The Fixer Upper. Having never read her books before, I asked if I should be starting with a certain book or not. Mary Kay was so sweet, instead of saying of course not and put her new book in my hand, she asked me a few questions and let me handle a couple of the books and recommended, Little Bitty Lies.

ETA:  Just a note about how sweet Mary Kay was, J was left at my side to pick out a toy to buy with money his Great Aunt gave him and he was doing the “this one Mommy??” dance.  Mary Kay just went with the flow and started chatting with J, noticing his blue eyes and blonde hair and did he have fun at the beach.  All the good stuff, yes she is just that sweet.

Perfect. From the minute I started reading, I just didn’t want to put it down. For a whole week while I read each night before bedtime, Hubby was begging me to put down my book and turn off the light. Usually I read for a half an hour to an hour, but going on two hours and approaching 11pm, Hubby was seriously having his sleep disturbed. But, it was so worth it. Without giving anything away, I want to say that Little Bitty Lies was the perfect summer read. I was able to really get into the characters and I even found myself trying to figure out the plot twists before they happened. I just loved it and am looking forward to starting another book this week.

I also want to share with you a little recipe that kept my mouth watering all week long, until I finally caved and made it. My girlfriends and I polished off half of it at a picnic on Friday and Hubby and I polished off the other half for supper. Oh so delicious.

Let me know if you decide to make it, it is just that good.

Beyond the Grave Chicken Salad – found on Mary Kay Andrews site.

5 lbs. chicken breasts
2 quarts water
parsley sprigs
1 large onion, quartered
1 tsp. seasoned salt
2 chicken bouillion cubes

In large pot, bring water and seasoning to boil, add chicken, lower heat and simmer 40 min. Remove from heat, cool. Shred chicken and refrigerate.Dressing:

1/2 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1-1/2 tsp. celery seed
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
dash paprika

Blend well together.For salad:

Toss shredded chicken with one cup of dressing and let stand at least one hour to marinate.
Combine remaining dressing with:
1/2 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp. honey
Add to chicken and mix well. May add canned water chestnuts, blanched almonds or chopped pecans.