Dedicated to:

Book dedications are usually looked upon as a thank you. An opportunity for an author to publicly acknowledge someone for the inspiration they’ve provided. 

I’ve dedicated books to several people over the years because I’ve sincerely appreciated their inspiration, help, support, and/or assistance in creating/writing the story, and I’ve had them thank me with authentic sincerity, but I’d never watched someone as they read the dedication for the first time. That changed last week.

My next release, Christmas with Her Cowboy, part of Harlequin Christmas anthology, Christmas Cowboy Kisses, is dedicated to our oldest granddaughter. “To my oldest granddaughter, Isabelle. Born on December 23^rd, she continues to be a Christmas miracle we enjoy year round.”

After receiving my box of books, I gave one to Isabelle, and pointed out the dedication. Following the words with one finger, she read it aloud. My heart literally swelled when she finished reading and looked up at me with her blue eyes sparkling. Overly excited, she wrapped her arms around me. “Oh, Grandma, thank you.” 

I never imagined she’d be so impressed, but watching her read it over and over, and then aloud to Grandpa and her parents, I saw just how special it was to her. 

Granted, Isabelle is only six, and she loves me unconditionally as I do her, but her reaction gave me a new insight to dedications. They truly are a one of a kind gift that is not given or taken lightly. A true honor to give and receive. The sweet little event that she and I shared when I gave her a copy of this book on my front patio last week will stay with me for years. 

Cherish those little moments that take your breath away—they are the heartbeats of life.

This and That

Yes, our grandson has arrived, and DH is still grinning. Though he admits he’ll be more involved when the little guy starts running around and talking. That’s Papa for you. All is well on the baby front and we are so thankful for that. Babies truly are a miracle and we count our blessings this little one and his mommy are both doing fabulously. Our daughter-in-law is the best little mommy, and there, too, we know we are blessed. 

And our two-year-old granddaughter (a cousin to the new baby) turned three last weekend. The birthday party was a blast. She wanted a birthday cake with her picture on it, so that’s what we had. However, the picture also included her bunny rabbit “Two” and she wasn’t impressed when her mommy cut him in-two. I was thankful I didn’t get that piece of cake. 

I promised to tell you what I had in store for the girls once their baby brother was born—here it is: A glow in the dark bubble bath. They loved it. We filled the bathtub with water and lots of bubbles, all three girls climbed in, and then I tossed in about four dozen glow sticks. (DO NOT attempt to break the glow sticks open. The cracking sound you hear when you activate them is glass breaking inside the plastic tube.) I switched off the light and the water lit up in an array of colors. Giggles could be heard for miles I’m sure. The girls were in that tub until completely “pruney” and then we put the glow sticks in a vase and set them beside our bed for a night light. It was lots of fun and we will repeat it. 

This weekend we have a birthday bash for our neighbor, which is always a fun time. I’m making Special K bars and jalapeño roll ups. Two of the granddaughter’s favorites.  

On to writing….The Stetson and Scandals miniseries is selling extremely well! Thank you, all. I do hope you enjoy Garret and Roy in Dance with the Rancher, as well as Trace and Annabelle in Rescued by the Ranger. There is a little guy in that second story, Wyatt, whom I just fell in love with. Maybe he’ll grow up to have his own story. 

That, however, can’t happen for a while. Another three book contract is in the works, giving me five to write…and I’ve decided to try a new time period. The roaring twenties! (I’ll still have plenty of cowboy and old west stories, too. I’ll never part with them completely.) The research so far has been amazing. What a wild and adventurous time! I’ve plotted out two books and am itching to start writing them. Watch out world, the Nightingale sisters are a hot bunch of tomatoes! 

I’ve things to accomplish this morning, so must get to them. Have a wonderful weekend. Count your blessings. And tell someone you love them. They may already know it, but will enjoy hearing it!

He's Here!

Connor Ray arrived yesterday at 6:55 PM weighing in at 7 lbs, 11 oz, and stretching out to be 20 inches long! 

He is perfect in every way and he and his mommy are doing very well!

Since Connor was taking his time in making his grand entrance, Papa and I took his two older sisters shopping for their cousin’s birthday presents. 

Our curly haired granddaughter will turn three this weekend. She told me she wanted a book for her birthday, when I ask what kind of book, she said a yellow one. So, we found the book department at the Wal-Mart next to the hospital and low and behold, look what we discovered on the shelf.

It’s also release day! Both books in the Stetsons and Scandals Mini-series, Dance with the Rancher and Rescued by the Ranger, are now available for download! 

Oh, and a quick update on granddog Bear—he got his stitches out today. He needs to continue wearing his T-shirts for a few more days, but is otherwise all healed.   

We're sure to have a fun-filled weekend with baby Connor coming home and the birthday party, and I hope your weekend is just as wonderful!

Blessings to all for your congratulatory emails and messages! I really do appreciate each and every one of them and in sincerely appreciate each of you!