Hi there! Assistant Amy here, filling in once again for my fearless leader while she's busily researching and writing the next Nicholas Drummond novel. 

Did you guys have a good week? I think Fall Fever officially struck me--the leaves are ever-so-slightly turning here in Nashville, which doesn't coincide at all with the soaring 90+ temperatures. But the heat doesn't negate the fact that I want everything to be apple, pumpkin, cinnamon and clove. Oh well. Soon enough!

Let's jump in, shall we?

First of all, let’s talk about my boss’s writing perch in the Piazzo San Marco in Venice. Man. Poor, J.T. I hope she gets a better view soon. 

I’m guessing most, if not all, of you are voracious readers. How much is that is due to your parents’ influence? My reading gene comes from my mother, who devours at least three or four novels a week to this day. Ever since I can remember, Mom filled my world with books: reading with me every day until I could do it on my own, taking me to the library every Friday growing up and getting a Wendy’s Frosty afterward, always getting me books as gifts. I can’t thank her enough—which is why this article on 12 Ways Your Parents Turned You Into a Book Lover hits so close to home. 

Along with the autumn spices, fall also means breaking out belly-warming soups! You can imagine my quandary when Saveur posted this delicious Mexican Tortilla Soup this week. I don’t care if it’s 94 degrees outside. I want that soup! 

Have you guys seen the trailer for the new Macbeth movie starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard?! This. Looks. Epic.  

And the Internet basically exploded this week upon the official notice of Albus Severus Potter’s first day and sorting at Hogwarts on September 1. 

And speaking of more Harry Potter (it’s always relevant), this amazing teacher turned her classroom into the stuff of my childhood dreams. Ten points for Ravenclaw! (with that creativity, she’d have to be a Ravenclaw, right?) 

And to bring it closer to home, a new month means a new contest on JTEllison.com! Enter for your chance to win a trio of paperbacks from legal thriller author Joseph Teller. You won’t be disappointed.  

Oh, and some great news: you guys made The Lost Key paperback jump to #6 on the New York Times Best Seller List! Thanks for reading and making that happen!!

Until next week, lovely people. Your comments have made me feel so welcome, and I’ve so enjoyed interacting with all of you! Have a great week, and dream of sweater weather.