If you think your life is crazy then follow Haley Randolph's humorous antics and feel relief!

Handbags and homicide: [a Haley Randolph mystery] by Dorothy Howell

Purses and poison by Dorothy Howell

Shoulder bags and shootings by Dorothy Howell

Did you know that there are many really easy to grow veggies that are super-nutritious? Some of them are even extremely tasty, like the sweet peas (from my garden) pictured here. You may find yourself eating them right off the vine! Check out this Top Ten list and start planning your garden for this summer.

Homegrown vegetables, fruits, and herbs: a bountiful, healthful garden for lean times by Jim Wilson; photography by Walter Chandoha

Epic fiction, defined as novels that cover a span of time (often centuries) and are focused on a specific geographical location, and sagas series, defined as lengthy novels (often historical) that focus on the characters and families over a certain span of time, are large and expansive. They'll carry you to a different time and place. Give these a try:

Roses by Leila Meacham

The princes of Ireland: the Dublin saga by Edward Rutherfurd

Even when I don't feel like cooking I gravitate toward the cookery section of the library. I'm always interested in food and there are so many wonderful books on that subject that rarely list a recipe. The result? Hours spent comtemplating my favorite subject without the guilt of untried recipes haunting me. Just a few of my favorites are:

The man who ate everything : and other gastronomic feats, disputes, and pleasurable pursuits by Jeffrey Steingarten — Vogue food columnist Steingarten writes hilariously about his obessions with food.