August 2025 Monthly Letter

Dear Reader,

It’s time for the “Dog Days” of summer.  I always thought they were called that because the dogs would look for shade and pant their way through the month.  But that’s not correct.  The term actually started over a thousand years ago when the Greeks discovered Sirius known as The Dog Star.  Sirius appears in the night sky in August, hence “Dog Days.”  Who knew?  The Greeks I suppose.

Talk about a hot summer!  The heat, the rain, the flooding.  If you see four men riding on horses (Red, Black, Pale, White) hitch up your pants and run like the wind!  But seriously, there is a lot of energy swirling around us.  My heart goes out to anyone who has been impacted by the wrath of mother nature, and human dastardly deeds.

Do you ever feel like you are in the spin cycle of the washing machine?  Hang on, my friends.  Think good, calm, cool thoughts.  People can be bursts of energy, so let’s focus it on good stuff.  I know it can be difficult to find good stuff when you’re dealing with a boatload of chaos, loss, stress, and strife.  You name it.  But there is always something to smile about.  Sometimes you have to look in the most unlikely places.  Where?  Your friends — I know you’ve got at least one or two — your pets, your family.  I try to look at life like I’m watching television.  If I don’t like what’s on, I change the channel until I find something amusing, engaging, or entertaining.  I suppose that’s why people have hobbies.  They are a distraction and hopefully satisfying.  Me?  I enjoy diddling in the garden when it’s not 100ᴼ.  I think I’m giving up on vegetables.  But the biggest joy is my pets.  (Don’t tell my kids, or the grandkids.  LOL.)

On to some book news!  I am very pleased to announce that THE WILD SIDE is #7 on The NEW YORK TIMES Best Seller List!  My deepest appreciation to my fans!

I’m also very excited to announce a new series which will begin on August 26 with the publication of SMUGGLER’S COVE, a new hardcover set in the summer at the Jersey Shore, but it will not be anything like that dreadful reality show.  Dang if those nincompoops didn’t give such a beautiful area such a horrible reputation.  Trust me.  SMUGGLER’S COVE is rich in history, wrapped in a mystery, with enough people to champion, and a few to despise. 😉

I am also thrilled to tell you that WOMENS WORLD will be featuring an interview with me and a few tidbits of SMUGGLER’S COVE.  The magazine is scheduled to be on the shelves and on-line August 25th.  So keep an eye out when you’re at the grocery store.

GOOD READS is also doing a promotion for SMUGGLER’S COVE and SANTA’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR. They are giving away 100 copies of each of them so check my FB page for more details.

My contest for this month are signed copies! First prize – Smugglers Cove and No Way Out – New trade paperback edition.  Second & Third Prize – Smugglers Cove.

All the best,
Fern

August 2025 Recipes

I would include some recipes this month but it’s just too hot to think about cooking so here are two refreshing summer drinks and a salad:

Southern Sweet Tea

  • 1 gallon pitcher for serving
  • (12) bags of Black Tea
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Fresh Mint

Boil the water and place the teabags in the pot.  Turn off the stove and let bags steep for 5 minutes.

Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.

Pour steeped tea into the pitcher and add 3 quarts of water to mixture.

Chill in refrigerator until cold.

Add mint and voila.


Watermelon Iced Tea

Prepare tea mixture as above.

Scoop out the pink flesh of a small watermelon.  (I buy it already cubed!)

Place watermelon in a blender and liquify it.  You should get about 4 cups.

Mix equal parts watermelon juice with tea mixture – let stand for 15 minutes.

Add Fresh Mint to serve.

If you want to get fancy, save some of the watermelon and cut into cubes and use them in the glass when you serve it.


Peach and Blueberry Salad

  • 5 ounces baby greens
  • 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1/3 cup almonds, chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar – it’s pretty easy to find
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Place greens in a bowl or on a platter, add peaches, blueberries, feta, and almonds.

Whisk together olive oil and white balsamic. Add a pinch of sea salt and a few turns of black pepper. Dress salad to your liking, toss.