Hello, Friends!

One of the fun parts of having a new book on the way out to readers is getting that first peek at the cover your publisher designs for the story you've imagined and spent months writing.

So what do you think? Does it make you want to know more about what's inside the cover? I love the colors and the way the skirt of my character, Mira, is billowing out behind her. I like the bluebird since a bluebird was important to Mira. But there are more characters inside that I hope you'll love when you get a chance to read the story that releases in May 2024. The book is already available for pre-order at 40% off and free shipping from Baker Book House. The Song of Sourwood Mountain is also available for pre-order at many of your other favorite booksellers.

On November 17, 2023, I'll be joining in for a day of fun with writers and readers in St. Louis at the JustRead Rendezvous. If you're close by or if you can find a way to get there from wherever you are, you can spend a day talking books and meeting some of your favorite writers and making reading friends. Fun will be happening. I would love to see you there.

What to give away? Hmm--

I thought and thought. I looked and looked. Of course I'm giving away books. That's always my favorite gift to give or get. But Christmas is coming around soon. You might see Christmas trees in stores next week. Maybe you already have. So why not a sweet Willow Tree Christmas ornament to go with the winner's choice of one of my autographed books? That is the 1st prize. Then 2 more 2nd place winners will get their choice of one of my autographed books. That can be for you or for a gift if you're a winner.

As always no hoops to jump through to enter. Well, you do have to send an email to throw your name in my drawing hat. Deadline to enter is 12 midnight EST November 14, 2023. And you do have to be at least 18 years old to enter. Of course I'd love it if you did decided to join the fun on my Facebook or Instagram pages or follow me on Bookbub, and sign up for my newsletter if you haven't already. But to enter the giveaway all you have to do is send a message by replying to this newsletter or from my website contact page.

With Thanksgiving coming up, my parting shots are all about reasons to be grateful but with some different ways to think of blessings. So, if you want, you can share your thoughts about the new cover for The Song of Sourwood Mountain or maybe name one or more of those everyday blessings that we sometimes take for granted.

Giving Thanks
• For the taxes I pay because that means I am employed.
• For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because that means I have a new day.
• For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because that means I have a home.
• For all the complaining I hear about the government because that means we have freedom of speech.
• For the lady behind me in church who sings off key because that means I can hear.
• For clothes that fit a little too snugly because that means I have enough to eat.
• For my heating bills, because that means I am warm.
• For my shadow that watches me work because that means I am out in the sunshine.
• For every blessing – great or small. (Copied)