MAY 2013

My dear Readers:

I had intended being in Kansas City from May 1st to the 5th, but as you now know a minor kidney complaint kept me home. I have a wonderful, but nervous nellie of a doctor who said, "No traveling at this time" just before I was to go. I've been so annoyed I almost forgot to get a May newsletter up for you, and it is several days late for which I tender you my apologies.

Actually I haven't much to report as I am home working on the last book in my series, "The Silk Merchant's Daughters". The third manuscript, LUCIANNA, went into my editor in early February, and will be published this coming October. I am now writing the last book, SERENA. The third sister, Lucianna, finds herself in London as a representative for the Florentine Guild of Silk Merchants. Her mother, Orianna, is not very happy with this, but Lucianna's first husband is now deceased, and has left her a wealthy widow. Thanks to her first two daughters behavior - remember Bianca married an infidel, and Francesca was rude to every eligible man in Florence before finding a husband elsewhere - Lucianna was difficult to match despite her beauty and good dower. Her parents had no choice but to accept the offer of a wealthy but kindly bookseller, and Lucianna dutifully wed him without protest. The cleverest of the Pietro d'Angelo daughters she has a head for business, and now resides in London representing the guild. You'll find her adventures lots of fun come the month of October. Following in Lucianna's footsteps the youngest sister goes happily to her marriage with the French Comte de Valmont only to discover..........................But Serena's adventures are for later.

And I know you will all be happy to learn that my current publisher, NAL Books, has asked me to sign a new contract. Since I have lots more books to write, and enjoy earning my own living I am very happy about this. To quote one of my favorite poems, "for I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep." My promised are, of course, for my faithful readers who have stood by me for so many years.

My garden has been a-bloom with spring flowers. I love daffodils and narcissis. I have noticed that I have no tulips so come the autumn when I am once again adding bulbs to the garden I will get some of them planted too along with lots more daffs. Nothing is more cheerful than spring flowers. Right now all the flowering trees are in bloom. The two beautiful Bradford Pears I planted in front of our church in memory of my parents have grown well, and are in full flower right now. My mom loved Bradford Pear trees, and it cheers me to see them in bloom. My strawberry plants have spread, and in another month or so I will have strawberries for picking provided I can keep the birds from them. I'm going to have my garden guy spray and net the lower part of the Bartlett Pear I have in the back garden. I'm willing to share my pears with the squirrels and crows, but I want some too!

The family is all well I am happy to report. Cora and Sophia are counting the days until they go back to camp. Cora has been asked to be a CT - counselor trainee - this year, and is very excited. The CTs have their own "house", but all the girls have said they want "Cora's stepmom" to do the curtains for the windows. Tiffany is very flattered. Chandler is at his special school here on Long Island now, and doing well. Evan is struggling a bit, but the last few years have been tough on my grandson or as I call him, "the smallest Small". Tiffany's two boys have blended in nicely with the Smalls. Lucas is our athlete, LaCrosse is his game, and it looks like he may be a goalie in the making. Liam, the youngest, will be four on his next birthday. He's the "character" of the group. LOL! What a tribe I now have. Tom now has his own representative, and is selling his music show to radio stations around the country. If you enjoy music of the '60s, you'll like PsycoJello Radio. You will also find a version of the show on the internet too. Check it out. Now lets hope he can make money doing what he loves. All fingers and toes crossed! Sylvester is tolerating Delilah a little better, but our now 8 month old kitten is quite a handful. Tom tells me she has a "sister" still at the local no-kill shelter. I said NO! 2 cats is my limit right now.

Well, that's all my news at this point. Nothing exciting for which I'm very grateful. Remember to say a prayers - if you pray - for the men and women in our military keeping our country safe. Bless them for their service. As always I remain your most faithful author,