We often go to barber and beauty shops in small towns and big cities to relax and chat about what's taking place in the world. Here in this barber shop I'll share small talk, too, including recommendations for other authors you might want to try, links to other interesting sites or sites that have to do with books I've written. If you would like to contribute-after all the barber shop is give and take-just email me and let me know. I won't promise I can use everything I get, but I'll certainly try.

CDs: :
Those of you who have stopped by before know I like to recommend CDs. In the past I've told you about Eva Cassidy, still one of my favorites. This month I have two new vocalists to recommend.

Betsy McGovern is a personal friend from my years in New Orleans. She's performed extensively around town and in local Irish pubs, once with an appreciative Paul McCartney in the audience. Paul called her "a breath of fresh air." Betsy is also a member of the Poor Clares, an Irish folk group that now performs together only occasionally, but is a favorite of mine.

Revival of the Heart is Betsy's newest CD and can be purchased on-line at: http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/showoneprod.asp?ProductID=3673

Change of Habit from the Poor Clares is available on-line at many music sites.

For more information and Betsy's calendar of appearances, go to her website at: www.betsymcgovern.com

My newest discovery is Cathie Ryan, another "Irish" folk singer, although like Betsy, she is not from Ireland.

Somewhere Along the Road is one of my favorites.

The Farthest Wave is brand new and a recent Mother's Day present. I love what I've heard of it.

Cathie's voice is pure and haunting. I highly recommend anything she's recorded.

Revival of the Heart Change of Habit Somewhere Along the Road The Farhest Wave

On a slightly different note, here's the link to one of my favorite websites. www.audible.com

Audible allows you to download books into an MP3 player or your computer for hours of listening pleasure. For a reasonable monthly fee you can download a book and a subscription, store them on your computer and download them to an Ipod or similar device when you're ready to listen. The subscriptions range from radio programs to newspapers and magazines.

I'm finding wonderful new authors this way, listening to books as I quilt. I hope you will, as well.

No, my books are not presently an option there, so this is not a sales gimmick. But we're hoping the books will be there soon.

And since I'm often asked what books I read for pleasure, here are just a few I've recently read and loved.

I Dreamed I Married Perry Mason by Susan Kandel. If you like humorous mysteries, with a slightly more mature chick lit feel, this one's for you.

Good Grief by Lolly Winston. I adored this heroine and the author's depiction of a woman dealing with grief after the death of her husband. Winston's mixture of humor and pathos was perfect.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. I'm listening to this on audio right now. A fascinating look at the history of Chicago during the Gilded Age, the construction and politics of a World's Fair, and one of America's first known serial killers.

So many books, so many favorite authors, so little time. Next time more.

Web Links:
Enjoy the following webring.

Until the next haircut. . .