Modern day wild west fun in Dying for a Dude from Cindy Sample

National bestselling northern California author Cindy Sample returns with her soccer mom protagonist in Dying for a Dude, the fourth Laurel McKay Mystery. This outing finds Laurel tackling a decades old murder which may have involved one of her ancestors. As she struggles to clear her family name, a more contemporary murder investigation pits her boyfriend, Detective Tom Hunter against her ex-husband. What’s a working mom to do?

The story offers mystery, romance, danger and humor in perfect proportions. Laurel’s family provides many of the laughs, as her perfectionist mother and independent grandmother lock horns over a proposed move. Laughs come from realistic human foibles which only serve to endear the characters. Readers will enjoy the interplay between Laurel and her friends, including continuing characters Liz and Stan.

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El Dorado County Wineries Give Napa and Sonoma Competition

Mention California wines and most people think of Napa Valley or Sonoma. The award-winning wineries in El Dorado County, nestled along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, work hard to shatter that stereotype.

With a wide assortment of varieties grown and amenities offered, these wineries provide an easy-to-visit alternative to the valley-bound wineries. From dozens of locations across the county, visitors can chooses the type of wine or type of environment and be assured of finding a suitable selection, without the traffic hassles of Napa. Here are a few examples, in alphabetical order.


Check out the vineyards here.