Monday Musings--I'm officially a published author now!
The official release date for Christmas Belles of Georgia is September 1st, but I have already received my author copies from Barbour as you can see from this picture. This is truly a dream come true, and I give all the praise to God for giving me this opportunity, and for leading me to ACFW where I have learned so much and met so many wonderful, helpful people who had a big part in this happening.

So, I want to share with you my dedication which took over a page to thank everyone. It truly "takes a village" to get a book published!

Dedication


This book is dedicated to two of the most wonderful ninety-four-
year-young women I know—Ruth Seamands and Helen
Jean Wiglesworth. Their Christian witness and zest for life have
been an inspiration to me and countless others. My friends and I
all want to be like them when we grow up!
Special thanks to:
My husband, Chester, for all of his encouragement and help,
even when it means loading the dishwasher
three times in one day!
Becky Germany, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jeri Odell,
and Debra Ullrick for taking a chance on me and my writing.
And to Margie Vawter for her wonderful editing skills.
My encouragers and prayer warriors—Crystal, Dottie, Kathy,
Kim, Connie, Jan, Ann, and Unity Christian
Church Rosebud SS class.
My forever friends, whose names are immortalized
in some of my characters’ names.
Debbonnaire and Jennifer, who helped me brainstorm this story.
And my fabulous critique partners who enriched the story—
Jennifer, Joy, and Loretta.
My two daughters, Christy and Mandy, who also read the story
and gave me encouragement. And my son, Stephen, who now
has to read my book because he promised to
do so when I got published!
My Georgia helpers who answered many questions—Ane and
Greg Mulligan, Thomas Smith, Rod Perry, and Scott Smith.
All of my writing friends at LRW, BCW, and ACFW,
with special thanks to Lynn Coleman for making
my first critique so gentle, yet helpful.
The readers whom I hope will enjoy this
book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
And most of all, praise God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
from whom all blessings flow, including this opportunity
to see the writing dream He gave me come true.

Contest Winner and new contest to win a copy of my first fiction novel!!!!

Darlene Shortridge is the winner of Love by the Yard by Gail Sattler, so it will be in the mail as soon as I receive her mailing address. For those who wish to be entered in this month's drawing, it makes it much simpler and faster to get the book to you if you leave your addy when you post. Anyone with a USA address is eligible except Darlene.

And I am sooooo happy to be able to give away a copy of my first fiction novella. Getting this book published is definitely a dream come true! The drawing will be held on September 1st which is the day for the release of the book. Here is the back cover blurb for Christmas Belles of Georgia: 
Surprised by Life—and Love—at Christmas


Four letters are mailed from Monticello, a small antebellum town in Georgia. Sisters once, now heirs to a historic plantation, each young woman must come to terms with the circumstances of her birth. . . .

When she learns in a letter she’s adopted, Holly feels betrayed by her parents—and she books a flight out of Missouri immediately. Will she ever be able to love again?

Raised in a wealthy, loveless home, Carol rushes to Monticello from college in Atlanta when she receives her letter. She’s searching for family, but finds instead a boy she once mistreated. Will he remember her? . . .forgive her?

In one year, Starr has lost her parents, boyfriend, and job, so she’s sure her letter is more bad news. When the attorney flies to California to offer proof, Starr takes a second look—at the message and the man.

Noelle always knew she was adopted—and she’s always loved the foreman on her father’s Texas ranch too. But he’s so distant. . .perhaps a trip to Georgia is the break in life she needs.

Will the sisters receive a traditional Christmas gift. . .of love?

Enter to win a copy, or hurry out and order one or several copies for Christmas gifts!