“That’s what I want to be when I grow up--a harlot!” At leastthatwasthepronouncement made by a very young Kimberly (Kim) Black as she listened to Bible stories and thought some of the women led exciting lives. Someone gently took her aside and explained that might not be the best career goal, but she was bitten by the storytelling bug and grew up to become an Amarillo author.
A very personable, enthusiastic Black engaged with Dimmitt Book Club members at their recent meeting here at Rhoads Memorial Library as she was the featured speaker. By day she is a professional building designer; in the evenings or whenever she has free time, Black writes Christian books, mysteries, and children’s books.
Black has served as President of the Texas High Plains Writers. She noted that she carries a deep love for the Lone Star state, having been born and raised almost entirely in Amarillo. She has authored such books as “Drop Dead Dallas,” “Lydia, Woman of Purple,” “Pockets”, and “The Little Black Dress” series, to name a few. She and her husband, Riley, spoke about more books which are set to be released soon.
As for newly released books that have arrived at our library and are now ready for checkout, they include: -”Simply Lies” (a psychological thriller) by David Baldacci; -”Dark Angel” (a novel) by John Sandford; -”My Heart Will Find You” (a novel) by Jude Deveraux.
More new releases include: -”Where Coyotes Howl” by Sandra Dallas is deemed to be a “vivid and deeply affecting ode to the early 20th century West.” The novel features the trials and tribulations of teacher Ellen Webster and Charlie Bacon, a handsome cowboy, in a place far from Cheyenne, the nearest city.
It is 1916 and life is tough in a place where winter blizzards are unforgiving, and the summer heat is relentless. Ellen forges bonds with other women to survive the area as her love for Charlie grows.
-”The Bandit Queens” is the debut novel by Parini Shroff that follows Geeta, a young woman in a small village in India. Five years ago, her worthless husband deserted her, disappearing without a trace. False rumors swirl as the villagers suspect she killed him, but Geeta finds the lie beneficial as everyone steers clear of her and is too afraid not to buy her jewelry.
Yes, freedom looks good on Geeta, because now other women are asking for her “expertise” in disposing of their husbands. But her dangerous reputation becomes a double-edged sword as Geeta must find a way to protect the life she has built. Clever criminals, second chances, the complexity of female friendships, and schemes that go awry make this book a “razor-sharp debut of humor and heart that readers will not forget.”
Until next week, Happy Reading!