Loving where I live
I’ve moved a few times in my life, from glitzy nightlife living in Las Vegas to laid-back sand-between-your-toes California. Most of the time, the moves were within California, my native state. Several years were in Nevada, where I was married and both my children were born. I truly counted my blessings, though, when we moved to Idaho.
I knew nothing about Idaho except “potatoes” when we first moved here. Geography has never been my strong point, but I wasn’t alone in not knowing much about this northwest state. The past two decades have been one of discovery and appreciation.
There are cities, of course. I live in the state’s largest city, Boise, with about 700,000 people in the metro area and all the advantages a city this size can offer. I find there’s a difference here than other places I’ve visited. People are friendlier, more relaxed, happier. When I worked in public relations, I hosted a tour group of international journalists, and over and over again, I was asked the question: Why are people so happy here?
Hey, just look around. There are expansive vistas that go on forever, jagged mountain peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. In my city, there is a river bordered by an extensive chain of parks where people go rafting and the fly fishermen stay active. People drive a little slower, have shorter commutes, talk to their neighbors, and hold a door open for a stranger. My kids didn’t walk through metal detectors in their schools, and they grew up with a strong appreciation of their hometown.
Even my Wild Crime books are set in Idaho. Although they are somewhat dark in nature, as mystery/suspense can be, they describe the beauty of the environment.
I’m thankful every day for my adopted state. There’s nothing like loving where you live.
Blurb
Meredith knows three things: First, the man in the library begged her to help him. Second, he was afraid of his wife. Third, now he’s dead.
While the evidence first points to a natural death, Meredith is certain there’s more to discover. People are tight-lipped in this small mountain village, and the man’s wife isn't talking either. Then a second death occurs, with remarkable similarities. It’s time to talk about murder.
As a slow-burning relationship heats up in her own life, Meredith struggles with concepts of love and hate, belief and suspicion, and absolution and guilt. Nothing is clear cut…
She must decide: Is guilt, like evil, something you can choose to believe in?
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Bio
Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime series. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. She is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild, editor of the Potato Soup Journal, and founder of the Boise chapter of Shut Up & Write. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.
Social Media Links
Website: http://juliemhoward.com
Idaho sounds like a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me share!
DeleteSounds beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI travel a fair amount and always am grateful I get to return to my home here.
DeleteMy cousin keeps wanting us to move to Idaho. Perhaps one day. Sounds so beautiful. Thanks for sharing and all the best.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth a visit. Fall is my favorite time of year here.
DeleteI've never been to Idaho, but now you've tweeted my interest. I'll have to check it out. Love your book cover! Thanks for sharing.
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