As an author, I write. A lot. Almost every day. It’s what I do. I love it. But we are encouraged constantly to balance all aspects of our lives. And it’s true. So, tonight I’ll be taking time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a TV program I’ve been looking forward to for weeks now, ever since I first heard the advertisement.  A live show. On TV. The Sound of Music!

I’ve watched a program on the making of this production. Huge! And I’ve happened upon some of the stars doing interviews on talk shows and whatnot. Carrie Underwood OMG.

I cannot tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to this three hour live production tonight (Thurs. Dec. 5). Check your TV listings! I’ve also set my PVR. This one will be a keeper. Now, I just have to make the popcorn!

Happy Thanksgiving

To all my neighbors to the South!

Have a great day!

I just released Book Three, Never A Bride, in the Escape To Alaska Trilogy. It felt like I’d given birth to triplets, all girls, named Cassidy, Jeannie, and Debbie.

If you’ve read the books, or are reading them, you learned that these three friends are very interesting women coming from very diverse backgrounds. But all of them are caring, kind-hearted, hard-working individuals. Each woman will be an excellent mother, like Cassidy has become. These women value relationships and friendships, and they are gals any woman would love to call her girlfriend, too.

Most of all, these women are strong and independent. Each of them will overcome adversity with conviction, rewarded with their ‘Mr. Right’. I know, now I’ve given it away. But really, how else would a happily-ever-after novel end? Each of these women faces a different set of challenges. To learn what those obstacles are and how they win the man of their dreams, you’ll have to read the books.

While I’ve never been to Alaska or Anchorage, I researched the daylights out of the place before and during the writing of this trilogy. I feel like I’ve visited Anchorage three times, right alongside my heroines.

I can visualize the Ted Stevens International Airport where I landed late at night and caught a cab to the Anchorage Hilton right downtown—the same place where Cassidy’s father, Mr. Donahue, stayed. Hey, while using your imagination, money is no object, right?

I’ve dined at Endless Nights (my characters’ favorite high-end restaurant in Anchorage) on several occasions. While being seated, I heard the gentle sound of water cascading down the waterfall feature situated in the middle of the dining area, and I gazed up at the white fairy lights that twinkled above my head in the dimly-lit room. The tropical- getaway décor felt immensely relaxing. I savored the tantalizing aroma of the juicy, perfectly-cooked steak that the waitress, Ruby, set in front of me. My mouth waters just remembering it. That Patricia Graham is one heck of an excellent chef! Ruby earned her generous tip, as always.

Naturally, I headed over to Gold Diggers for a nightcap after my excellent dinner. The bouncer, over two hundred pounds of muscle on a sexy six-foot-six frame, recognized me and I sailed past him with a ‘good evening’ greeting. No more heart palpitations like I experienced the first time I entered the bar. Now I look forward to seeing that Kodiak bear, and I patted his paw when I crossed through the entryway. So brave of me. Of course, my ursine friend has been dead for years.

Sherry Lawrence waited on me and brought me a Harvey Wallbanger, the drink Clayton served Cassidy after her first shift at the bar in Book One, Not What It Seems. Mmm, it tasted so good; Clayton is an excellent bartender. If I had a dollar for every Harvey Wallbanger I’ve drunk in my lifetime… But I digress. 

Randy Rock, dressed head to toe in black, sang country tunes on stage, and I leaned back in my comfy upholstered chair and listened while I sipped my cocktail. At another table to my left sat Terry and Jeannie Wilson, the couple featured in Book Two, Almost Doesn’t Count.

After Randy’s last song, he settled into a chair beside Terry and they invited me to join them at their table. These people are such nice folks! Of course, when I paid my tab I included a generous tip for Sherry, her being a single mother and all. Remember, money was no object in my little fantasy. After extending everyone a pleasant goodnight, hugs all around, I grabbed a cab and headed back to my hotel.

Next day, I spent an exorbitant amount of money shopping at the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall (fantasy dollars again) and then I grabbed some lunch at the airport while waiting for my flight. Such pleasant memories. Maybe I’ll visit again, when Jeannie or Debbie has a baby! Or not.

Readers, I cannot tell you how much I’ve loved writing this trilogy. I hope everyone enjoys these stories for years to come. Happy reading!

And now, it’s on to my next project. 

Note to readers:

The Ted Stevens International Airport is an actual place, as is the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall and the Hilton Anchorage.

 Sorry, folks, if you travel to Anchorage, you’ll be disappointed to learn that the Endless Nights restaurant and the Gold Diggers bar don’t exist. You’ll have to find somewhere else to dine or drop by for a cocktail.

Lastly, Howard Rock founded the Tundra Times, a newspaper forum for native peoples, but Randy Rock and Annie Rock are characters totally borne of my imagination, as are all the other characters in this trilogy.

 Links to the books exclusive to Amazon:

 Not What It Seems http://amzn.to/M9jeio

 Almost Doesn’t Count http://amzn.to/OrLPf0

 Never A Bride http://amzn.to/14Y5092

For anyone who has read Book One and Two of my Escape to Alaska Trilogy, you’ve been patiently waiting for Book Three which I originally planned to release last December. Of course, life gets in the way of our best-laid plans. A December release didn’t happen.

Being an Indie author means no editor or publisher was breathing down my neck, making threats, etc.  It does, however, result in confused and/or disappointed readers. And for that I sincerely apologize.

Currently, Book One  in the series, Not What It Seems, is FREE until July 5th, and finally, Book Three, Never A Bride, will be available on Amazon on July 6th.

Happy Reading! And again, I apologize for the delay.

“Happy Memorial Day Weekend

to my friends and neighbors to the south. 

If you’re traveling, drive safe.”

The toughest job worldwide is Motherhood!

The most rewarding job worldwide is Motherhood!

The most fun job worldwide is Motherhood!

Happy Mother’s Day to All Mothers!

Have a great weekend, Ladies!

* * *

Hey, Everyone! 

COOKING FOR COWBOY  available on Amazon

 http://amzn.to/14y7hMB

 Chad’s a professional chuckwagon driver.

Sierra’s an executive chef.

Things are heating up,and not in the kitchen…

Chad Parker is balancing the operation of the cattle and horse ranch he inherited from his late father with racing on the WPCA pro chuckwagon circuit, including the upcoming Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede. If that weren’t enough headaches for one guy, once again another cook has quit due to Chad’s mother’s insufferable criticism. But Sierra Griffin, an unemployed executive chef, enters his life at just the right moment. Sierra is the answer to his prayers, but can Chad keep the peace between his new cook and his mother, whom he banished from her own kitchen?

Sierra Griffin willingly accepts the handsome cowboy’s job offer while she pursues a position more suited to her qualifications with Chad’s blessing. But Sierra soon discovers she loves cooking for cowboys, especially the guy who sits at the head of the table. Things start heating up between Sierra and Chad, and not in the kitchen.

Just when Chad believes he has the situation under control, he learns that Sierra has found her dream job. Now what will he do? Hiring another cook is the least of his worries. Does the woman he’s falling in love with intend to move out of his life as quickly as she slipped into it?

NOTE:  Chad’s mother has recently been confined to a wheelchair due to ever-advancing stages of MS.  I’ve dedicated this book to a good friend who has battled MS for decades.  Love ya, Judy!

DEDICATION

  This book is dedicated to Judy Knapp, a good friend and TOPS pal who has faced her MS diagnosis fearlessly and has fought back for decades. Her bravery and tenacity are an inspiration to everyone who knows her.

Check out this excerpt…