What's Next? Katie Lost and Found

First up, I have a confession to make. I've been busy. Too busy, obviously, to spend much time here. I know, everyone is busy. My excuse is that when the weather is as wonderful (and unusual) as this summer has been in Southeast Kansas, I can't stay out of the garden. Now you might call it work, watering and weeding and just poking around in the dirt, but I call it the best kind of living. So in the past weeks, when it should, according to years past, be too hot, too windy and too dry to get out and do more than turn on the sprinklers, I've enjoyed each and every minute I could. The results of this uncommon weather have been very gratifying, too. Take a look at my hibiscus!

So, that's part of the reason this blog has been so neglected. But there's another, even better reason--a new book. I have just passed the final draft of my newest novel, Katie Lost and Found, to my husband/editor.  I have a cover, a blurb (sort of) and a tentative release set for mid to late August.
Finishing a book is always a little bit of a surprise. I write, rewrite, read, re-read, rewrite some more and just when I think it may never happen, there's nothing more I can find to do with it. Now after my editor/husband gets started, we do find some things to tweak, but for the most part, a new book has been born and there's nothing to do but put it out there where readers will have the opportunity to tell me what they think.

I like this book. It was a little idea that grew and grew and led me on a merry chase, but I really like it. In the coming weeks, I'll be posting excerpts for anyone who wants a taste. I'd love to hear what you think.

Oh, and did I tell you this is the first in a new series? Welcome to Walnut Lodge, unlike the Miracle at Valley Rise series, will be made of up stand-alone novels, each featuring characters associated in some way with Walnut Lodge, an inn located in "middle-of-nowhere" Kansas. All of the characters from Katie Lost and Found will return, but each story will have its own beginning and end. I'm excited that that little idea has taken this turn and look forward to working on not one, but two series now.

And now, without further ado--the cover reveal of 

Katie Lost and Found