Good News About Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum!

I have been pacing myself for the past year, after discovering Janet Evanovich's plucky, crazy bounty hunt — er, bond enforcer.

Last June, I sat in the emergency room of my local hospital, waiting my turn and learning about Stephanie Plum, Joe Morelli, Ranger, Lula, Connie, Vinnie — the whole gang. I started at the end (at the time), with Fearless Fourteen, thanks to the sympathetic Cindy, who sent me a book that could capture my attention, despite being in the middle of one of the busiest trauma units in the region. By the end of the first chapter, I was in love.

A month later, when I had even more time on my hands (don't ask, it will sound like a Stephanie Plum novel!), Carole brought me One for the Money. I have worked my way through each with great amusement, finishing Ten Big Ones just last night. It was late, I couldn't put down the book and I nearly awoke the household with my laughter.

Each one becomes my favorite, but Ten stands out for me. Carole had cryptically mentioned that some characters from earlier books returned in subsequent tomes, and I was a little apprehensive. (You should see who Stephanie encounters!) However, I was thrilled that it was the case.

Then I discover Finger Lickin' Fifteen is set for publication in less than two weeks. May I say two words? Woo and Hoo!

I have a few numbered novels to finish, plus a few between-the-numbers books, so I have my hands full until I get to Fifteen. Until then, just look for the woman who is laughing in the corner, Evanovich novel in her hands. That will be me.

The Need for Fluff 'n Trash™

I had a pretty ambitious 2008 summer reading list posted previously, and I meant to read the books on the list.

Then I fell ill and discovered a pressing need for Fluff 'n Trash™.

It came after my (one!) afternoon of daytime television. Bruce Springsteen is correct: 57+ channels and nothing is on. (Although I confess that a sanitized version of "Blazing Saddles" can be very seductive and "Nanny 911" is like a car wreck: I can't always look away.) I've put my boxed set of "Planet of the Apes" movies on the To-Watch List, so I'm not a total egghead. (Geek, perhaps, but not an egghead.)

I'm as patriotic as the next person, but I can handle only so much beach volleyball before the Olympics Games start to lose luster.

However, right now I'm consuming light reading. I'm five novels in: One for the Money, Two for the Dough, Dear John, If You Could See Me Now and the mammoth Sheer Abandon. I suppose a 750-page paperback isn't exactly light, but it is a nice distraction. One of three woman had a baby whom she left in a closet in Heathrow Airport, and 16 years later the baby-cum-young-woman and three possible mothers becomes enmeshed in each other's lives. (Think "Lace" with a lot of references to tea and everyone calling each other "darling.")

Not all Fluff 'n Trash™ is equal. I devoured One and Two, as I had Fourteen, but finished Dear John because I thought it would improve. (It didn't.) Sheer Abandon was monolithic, but an interesting ride. Penny Vincenzi leaves no stone unturned and shows us a mini-series in her books. It's a method at which she excels, and I enjoy the ride. Three to Get Deadly awaits me right now, and I can't wait!

Both Carole and Alicia are searching for more Janet Evanovich or Evanovich-like books, Kathy keeps handing me intriguing books (think Susan Isaacs) and Carole has some other good spicy reads up her sleeve, so I'll stay busy with as much reading as my napping will allow.

I would love suggestions for more Fluff 'n Trash™ and can't wait to see what you recommend.