New Release and Vacation

The Harlequin Christmas anthology, Christmas Cowboy Kisses will be released tomorrow! My story, Christmas with Her Cowboy, introduces readers to Tanner and Anna. I must admit, I’m a Christmas story junkie. Any genre, if it’s a Christmas story, it goes to the top of my TBR pile around November first.

And VACATION! 

DH and I spent seven days traveling from Minnesota to North Dakota and Montana, and then back home through Wyoming, and South Dakota. We stopped at museums and National Parks including the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and Yellowstone. We also visited several western wear stores. Needless to say we had a wonderful time, saw too many buffalo to count, and brought back some unique souvenirs. My favorites are the pistol towel rack, toilet paper holder, and hand towel holder that I bought for my bathroom. They are adorable, and match the antique photos I have hanging in there. 

My favorite stop…Cody Wyoming! The Buffalo Bill Cody Museum was fabulous. However there was another museum on the edge of town that I loved. Old Trail Town was so unique, and so untouched! I spent hours there, and am already looking forward to a return visit someday. This is also where I bought my above mention bathroom accessories. Another little museum in Mobridge, South Dakota, was a close second to being utterly fascinating. 

As much fun as the trip was, we were very glad to arrive home. We’d not only missed our oh-so-comfortable bed, we missed the grandchildren tremendously. This week I’ll be blessed to go on a first grade field trip to the apple orchard. My granddaughter and I are going shopping on Wednesday night to buy supplies for our ‘bag lunch’ and we’ve already decided to wear our matching Yellowstone sweatshirts. It just doesn’t get much better than that. Other than the pumpkin patch field trip in October with the preschool classroom. Yes, that granddaughter and I will be wearing matching sweatshirts, too. 

Be kind to yourself—if you aren’t, no one else will be either.

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.

It's been a while....

I apologize for that. Time has just flown by lately. It's hard to believe it's the middle of July already! I sincerely hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day! We were at my brother’s cabin and had a terrific time. We are also on countdown, waiting for our next grandchild to arrive. He is due the 27^th of this month. Very exciting!

Thanks to so many for purchasing The Cowboy Who Caught HerEye! And to those who have contacted me, telling me how much you liked Carter and Molly, I’m honored. 

Next up, August 1^st, the Stetsons and Scandals mini-series will be released, and after that, Christmas Cowboy Kisses in October. I hope you'll enjoy Tanner and Anna story, Christmas With Her Cowboy. Here’s the cover. Isn’t it gorgeous? Harlequin has redesigned their historical covers, and I must admit, I love the ones I’ve seen so far!

I’ll have another Christmas story in the Undone line this fall, too. I’ll of course post the date and cover as soon as I know it.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of July! Get in all the summer sun and fun you can!