2000 Kisses (45 page)

Edward Abbey said it best—nature has a grandeur and beauty surpassing anything man can create. Tess and T.J. would certainly agree.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at their corner of the beautiful high desert. If you would like to read more about the Southwest, Edward Abbey is one of the best authors to start with.
Desert Solitaire
remains one of the finest books of its kind, offering an unflinching look at the “old true world of the deserts.” If you develop an interest in vigas, latillas, and adobe homes, you'll find detailed descriptions and lavish photographs in
Behind Adobe Walls
by Landt and Lisl Dennis. T.J., of course, could write his own book on the subject.

With Tess's help, perhaps he will.

Arizona is home to hundreds of archaeological ruins that continue to perplex experts today. For a wonderful introduction to a complex subject, try
The Archaeology of Ancient Arizona
by Jefferson Reid and Stephanie Whittlesey. Another excellent source is
Ancient Ruins of the Southwest
by David Grant Noble. A different perspective comes from the memories of a contemporary resident in
A Pima Remembers
by George Brown.

History continues, if only we know where to look for it.

And now for chile—a truly hot topic these days. (I can't resist the pun.) This resilient plant has both medicinal and culinary uses. For authentic southwestern recipes, stop by my Web site at
www.christinaskye.com
. Mae has promised to post the best of her four-alarm dishes, specially created for Grady andTJ. White you're there, you'll also find excerpts of past and future books, reader contests, and the latest updates on life in Almost. You can send me e-mail at talk to Christina®
christinaskye.com
.

You can also write to me at:

It has been an absolute delight to write about this luminous corner of the Southwest and some of its eccentric, resilient inhabitants. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be paying a return visit to Almost sometime in the near future. Until then, I hope that you dream of hot turquoise skies and double rainbows. Most of all, to paraphrase Edward Abbey, may the coyotes always serenade your campfire.

Happy reading,
Christina

Published by
Bantam Dell
a division of
Random House, Inc.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the pubhsher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

Copyright © 1999 by Roberta Helmer

Handlettering by Dave Gatti

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.

Dell® is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc., and the colophon is a trademark of Random House, Inc.

eISBN: 978-0-307-48103-0

December 1999

v3.0