I’m so glad to have you on my blog today, Julie! Tell us more about your book in the One Scoop or Two Series!
Nearly every summer of my life, I’ve taken some type of beach vacation. Even if it’s been the shoreline of a lake or along a river. (And yes, any sandy stretch along any body of water counts as a beach!) There is something about peeling off my shoes and that first dip of a toe in the water that is wonderfully refreshing. For me, this means summer.
I do prefer the ocean, especially when it involves hunting for shells, sea glass, or tiny crabs in the rocky surf. I love the excitement that comes when we spot the black nose of a seal as it pokes up from the water, or on rare occasion, a whale’s spout in the distance.
Some years, like this one, a trip to the seaside – either a 10-hour drive or an airplane trip away — isn’t likely. This Covid summer has dampened my enthusiasm for travel. However, I won’t be deprived of the beach! In defiance of the virus that is circulating, I bought a couple of kayaks this spring. So far, they’ve remained stacked in the garage, a symbol of better times ahead. Boating is allowed in my state and many parks are open. The single kayaks make social distancing easy, and so even Covid won’t keep me from a beach visit this summer. Every time I go in the garage, I see the kayaks and I’m filled with optimism.
I’ve mapped several lakes within an hour’s drive, and am now waiting for a nice warm day. My beach vacation this summer will be a series of day trips. The anticipation of my upcoming “beach” vacations provides some normalcy in an otherwise difficult year. We all need our own versions of a beach vacation, don’t we?
My new release out this week brings the beach home. Sea Salt Lavender for Aphrodite is part of The Wild Rose Press’ series called One Scoop or Two – with all stories set near a river, lake or ocean. Here is more about my release:
Blurb
Rosella Rivers enjoys the perfect life, loving her new ice cream food truck business featuring exotic flavors. But her beach view parking space is not so lovable when she finds an acquaintance stabbed to death in the boardwalk bathroom.
Detective Mark Pruitt knows murder is bad for small-town Olympus Bay. He must find the suspect before he strikes again. When he first sets eyes on Rosella, the only witness, he is smitten. However, there’s no time for romance when danger lurks.
Together he and the lovely ice cream maker must discover the killer before he turns his sight on Rosella.
Excerpt
The echo of a drip-drip-drip resonated from within. Rosella glanced around, wishing a man would pass by, someone she could send inside on her behalf. On this side of the structure, though, the beachfront was hidden from view and the building backed by sand dunes. Unless someone needed to use the facilities, they wouldn’t approach.
“Mick?”
A distant chime from the town clock made her heart sink. Ten a.m. Opening time. She had to get back to her truck. A fresh round of anxious yips sounded. She scooted to the corner of the building and peeked toward her truck. Aphrodite stood at attention, straining at the leash. The dog barked twice at spotting her and renewed efforts to break free of the tether.
She returned to the doorway. “Mick, I’m just going to step inside since I’m a little bit worried, just to make sure you’re okay. Let me know if I shouldn’t come in.” No response sounded. “All right, coming in.”
The odor hit her first. Heavy, sweet, sickening. Then her eyes registered the scene. Mick lay face down in the middle of the tile floor, a steady stream of deep red blood winding its way toward a drain.
Author Bio
Julie Howard is the author of the bestselling Wild Crime and Spirited Quest series. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. Now she edits an online anthology, Potato Soup Journal, and spends many delightful hours writing her books.
Social Media Links
Website: http://juliemhoward.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07D6CS4NQ
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-howard?list=author_books
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JulieMHoward
Buy Links
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2xdqkl3
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/sea-salt-lavender-for-aphrodite/id1508636065?ls=1
Sydney Winward 
Love the title! Good luck with the book.
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Great post! When I was growing up in Florida, our family spent a week at the beach every summer. I have wonderful memories of lazy days spent reading, swimming, and building giant sand castles. Best of luck with your new release!
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