Happy Holidays a bit late

I hope you've had a wonderful holiday season. My family decided to get away this year, for a much-needed vacation and some sun. It was glorious. I find the older I get, the less I want *things* and the more I want *experiences*. And I have to say, having very little holiday shopping to worry about was so, so nice. Maybe after a break from it this year, I'll be more excited about it next year. One can only hope.

If I'd had my way, we would have gone to Paris. But my sons wanted to go to Disney World, and since I'm not sure how much longer they'll want to vacation with their parents, granting that wish was our gift to them.

It was nice and warm the entire time we were there. A couple of thunder storms rolled through during the week, but that's normal for Florida. I got some time in the sun with a book, which was my one big wish for the trip. I know, I'm so demanding.

Will it surprise you to know I really liked the Dr. Suess ride at Magic Kingdom? (I get motion sickness really easily, so I'll never gush about any of the "big" rides.) The whole Suess area was really magical, all decked out for Christmas.

You can't go to Disney World during Christmas and not watch the Christmas parade. Well, I can't. I think my two teen sons wouldn't have minded a bit to have skipped that part.

So, now I'm back home, working away on three different manuscripts. While the world parties the night away New Year's Eve, I may be writing. Or sleeping. Probably sleeping, but I should be writing!

Next week I hope to do a recap of 2014 the way I've done every year for the past 4-5 years. It's so fun to look back and remember all the good things that happened.

Happy almost 2015!!! Hoping it's going to be a FANTASTIC year!

New cover for MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS

My next novel for 8-12 year olds is coming out soon - February 24, 2015!

And there's been a change to the cover.

Here it is!!!

Hope you like it!

This and That

Thanks to everyone who entered our Season's Readings Giveaway.

Louise is the lucky winner, and she has been contacted and has given us her mailing address so we are all set!! Congratulations Louise!

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Teensread.com is hosting a Choice Award and what do you know, THE BRIDGE FROM ME TO YOU is on the list. If you'd like to vote for it, and four other YA novels you read in 2014, you can go HERE to cast your vote! It's all anonymous and you don't even have to provide an email address for the results if you don't want to. I'm sure they'll be on-line at some point.

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The holidays are fast approaching. Books make great gifts, don't you think? Did you know you can shop online at www.powells.com and they offer free shipping for orders over $50.00? It's a great way to support an independent bookstore if you don't have one near you. They have most of my titles there, and I've provided links on my "Books for Kids" and "Books for Teens" pages for ease in finding them.

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Happy December. I'll be baking cookies soon. Can't wait!