Reasons to Love Summer by Kate Young

My favorite part about late spring/early summer is the warmer temps and all the fun in the sun I have with my hubby and kiddos. With our older kids now at adult age, I covet the times we all get to spend together. Our favorite family memories always take place on a beach. Every single one of us could stay out on the sugar sand beaches along the Florida panhandle of 30A, our home away from home all day. The scenic route that goes directly through several town centers with adjacent bike and pedestrian paths makes for a nice drive. Every town has something different to offer and should be visited. One of our favorites is Seaside. With its charming shops, the fabulous Sundog bookstore, and walkup eateries across the street from the beautiful emerald soothing surfs. It’s bliss.

I suppose that’s why I enjoyed writing the setting of Peach Cove so much. It felt natural to create a world that brought such comfort to the characters. The sand between my toes and the salty water on my skin always sooths away my daily stresses. I’ve spent weeks on these beaches almost every summer of my life, laughing in the surf, and hunting sand crabs at night. Now my children have too. One day I suppose we’ll be creating more memories along the beaches of 30A with my grandchildren as the tradition continues. Not that I’m in any hurry. For now, I’m overjoyed sitting on beach, listening to the laughter of the three best things that ever happened to me and penning an escape for my readers.


Life has always been sweet on Georgia’s Peach Cove Island, but a case of murder has Marygene Brown down in the pits . . .

For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother’s passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama’s presence.

But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man’s been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama’s spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen!