Giving Thanks

There's nothing like being ill for almost two weeks to make you truly thankful for good health! Feels like I've been battling this 'crud' seemingly forever, but at long last, I'm getting back to my old cantankerous self.

This is the time of year when we here in the States reflect on things for which we are thankful -- friends, family, health...

I'm thankful for all of those, of course! The members of my family are all doing fine. I have eight lovely grand nieces and nephews, with number nine due to make an appearance in mid-February.

I have lots of local friends who have called to check up on me, and whom I get to see on a regular basis. Plus I have a whole host of wonderful online friends who stay in touch with me most everyday. Some of them are waaay far away, but because of the internet, I feel close and connected to them no matter where they are.

Most of all, lately I've been so thankful for readers! I've said before, and will continue to say that fan mail really does make this 'writing gig' worthwhile. This was brought home to me even more than usual these past two weeks while I was sick. Nothing brightened my day more than email from readers! Here are excerpts from the last three I received:

Just finished "The Treasures of Venice" ... had to let you know how much I enjoyed it. The way you interwove the past and present was seamless. Thank you so much for doing what you do, tell an amazing story.

I recently bought and read both your books after my old high school friend recommended them. Enjoyed them both, and have passed them on to others who liked them too! Keep up the good writing!

I read your novel (The Wild Sight) last week. The best romantic suspense book I have ever read... detailed and sexy.

I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR READERS!