Category Archives: Monthly Letter

Hello everyone!

It’s November! Time flies when you’re having fun…and even if you’re not.
It just doesn’t seem fair! All we can do is to do our best, even if we’re too pooped to pop.
I hope Halloween brought you more treats than tricks and now Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. Remember to focus on those two words: Thanks and Giving, especially with the holidays looming around the corner.

It seems as if a lot of people have been going through rough times lately. Someone told me it is an astrological thing and the planets are supposed to be realigning soon. One can hope.
Regardless of your beliefs whether traditional or metaphysical, I say as long as you can get out of bed and put your pants on you are ahead of the game! I don’t mean to be sassy—just something to think about.

That being said, I ask that you do one kind thing each day. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Something simple will do, like saying “good morning” to someone you pass on the sidewalk or open the door for someone. Give a total stranger a compliment “Oh, I like your shoes!” or “Nice handbag!” It will make their day, and as a result, it will also make yours.
I know life is very frustrating right now, but if everyone makes a small effort to be nice to one and other, I truly believe we can become more civil and kinder, which will truly shift the energy in a more positive direction. Look at me getting all metaphysical. LOL.
I say this now because as we approach the holidays people are going to be even more stressed, and wrapped up in their own issues, and more likely their phone. So, before you blow a gasket take a deep breath. Then take another one.

Now I shall step off my soapbox and talk about our two contests for November and early December and the latest book news:
The girls are back with a fun adventure in Italy for the holidays. There are a few recipes and the menu for Christmas Eve dinner. Travel with Frankie, Amy, Rachael, and Nina as they go rollicking through the hills and along the Amalfi Coast in Santa’s Secret. This contest continues from last month and will run until November 15. It features a grand prize that includes three hardcovers starring the gals from Santa’s Crew: Santa Cruise, Santa & Company, and the latest novel, Santa’s Secret. But that’s not all, folks! It will also consist of a bundle of holiday favorites: Holly and Ivy, No Place Like Home, Falling Stars, Spirit of the Season, and these wonderful anthologies: The Most Wonderful Time, Silver Bells, Winter Wishes, and Making Spirits Bright.

Tis the season to celebrate the release of the next Sisterhood book, Backwater Justice on December 24th. Enter to win a large collection of at least 30 books (yes, 30!) from the series. Contest ends December 15. Good for gifting, or good for you!

Have a wonderful THANKSGIVING!
Fern

Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my website.  For those of you who were impacted by Helene, my thoughts for healing and recovery are with you. The devastation is unimaginable, and my heart breaks with each photo.

Here we are in October. Time to start preparing for the holidays. I know. I know. We haven’t gotten through Halloween yet, but time goes by Lickety split so don’t get caught without your knickers. Plan ahead. Make lists, especially those for naughty or nice, and focus on the nice. Be cordial to those who haven’t been kind to you this past year, but don’t tie yourself up in knots worrying about them. Whenever I find myself tossing and turning and thinking about people who have been rude or uncaring, I stop myself and ask, “Mary, do you think they’re losing sleep over you?” The answer is usually a resounding, “I doubt it.” Then I turn over―if the fur-kids aren’t in the way―and get some sleep. I repeat: focus on the good people in your life. Yes, there will be cranky people you encounter every day. Smile, say hello, compliment their shoes, handbag. Something. Anything. You’ll both feel better.  My point is, no matter how much you want to smack the snot out of someone, take a minute and think about the outcome you want.  Peace or fisticuffs? And that’s today’s lesson in tolerance.  It ain’t easy.  Try to be patient.

On to fun stuff.  I am happy to say SANTA’S SECRET is now on-sale. It’s a panorama of Italy during the holidays with lots of food and fun. It even includes recipes and a menu for an authentic Italian Christmas Eve dinner. Can you tell I’m a big fan of the cuisine?

The kitty patrol is up to their usual tricks. Mz. Boo keeps turning on the TV in the middle of the night.  I have to remember to hide the remote, except I forget where I put it.  Need to leave a post it, but I’m sure Mz. Boo will figure out a way to hide that too!

Halloween is in a few weeks and we surely need a few treats.  For the bakers I want to revisit a wonderful seasonal pie, courtesy of Heidi Dugan, and comfort food recipes.

Now for some contest news! Since the holidays are in the not-so-distant future, we are going to help you with your Christmas shopping. This contest will run until November 15 and features a grand prize that includes three hardcovers starring the gals from Santa’s Crew:  Santa Cruise, Santa & Company, and the latest novel, Santa’s Secret. But that’s not all, folks! It will also consist of a bundle of holiday favorites: Holly and Ivy, No Place Like Home, Falling Stars, Spirit of the Season, and these wonderful anthologies: The Most Wonderful Time, Silver Bells, Winter Wishes, and Making Spirits Bright. That’s a lot of Christmas presents, if you don’t keep them for yourself. LOL.

We are also going to spread a little more holiday cheer and have two second place winners, who each will receive a copy of Santa’s Secret.

Happy reading and Happy Holidaze.
Be well, be safe, be kind.

All the best,
Fern

Dear Reader,

Hello! Didn’t we just go through turning the calendar five minutes ago?

Did you know the term “Time flies” is from an ancient Roman poet named Virgil?  He wrote an epic poem Georgics, where the famous line “tempus fugit” appears. It was originally written in Latin sometime around 29BC and is translated to “time flies.”  More fodder for fans of trivia.  😊

Even though it’s early September we still have some hot weather ahead, especially if you’re in the South.  And, I don’t have to tell you how hot it’s been this summer. Phoenix broke their own heat-wave record of 100 days over 100 degrees! I don’t know about you, but when the temperature is about to burst the thermometer, I don’t feel too much like cooking so I will share some easy recipes besides digging into a carton of ice cream.

Kids are going back to school, and I am sure there are mothers and fathers out there who are doing cartwheels!   The month of September also brings the Autumn Equinox, when we have an equal number of hours for daylight and night. Equinox=Equal.  Days will be getting shorter until December 22 when we will experience the shortest amount of sunlight for one day, and then the brightness begins to return.  Nature is a remarkable thing.  There’s also a lot going on in the night sky. If you live in an area that isn’t polluted with a lot of light, you can easily see the planet Jupiter. More trivia.

The cats are still running my life and I am very happy about it, and so is Harvey.   He thinks they belong to him.   If you don’t have a pet you don’t know what you’re missing.  I’m serious.  There have been countless articles about the therapeutic value of having a pet, particularly the unconditional love they give you. They also give you a purpose, even if it means cleaning up after they decided to mangle an entire roll of toilet paper and drag it through the hall.

On to book news. I’m proud to announce ON THE LINE made the New York Times Best Seller list, on the heels of TINY BLESSINGS. I am so very grateful to all of you who have supported my books. PROOF, the fourth novel in the Lost and Found Series is on sale now. While it is the last book in the series, I like to revisit my characters and have them make cameo appearances in other books, so keep an eye out for Luna and Cullen next year.

The girls from the Santa books will be returning at the end of October in SANTA’S SECRET where they find adventure in the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Italy. But before the holiday festivities, there are visits to Geneva, Switzerland where Amy’s dream of seeing the Hadron Collider (you’re going to have to read the book to find out what that is) comes to fruition. Nina visits Milan, Rachael and Randy try to stay out of trouble, while Francesca and Giovanni are on a quest to ferret out Giovanni’s mother’s secret recipe. Yes, there will be lots of food, fun, and a touch of romance. It is Italy, after all.

This month’s contest will have two winners who will receive a couple of Sisterhood novels along with the latest book in the Sisterhood series BACKWATER JUSTICE (available now at the library and will be on-sale in paperback in December), and the three books mention above ON THE LINE, PROOF, and TINY BLESSINGS.

Stay well, healthy, and strong!
All the best,
Fern Michaels

Dear Reader,

Wait a second! Didn’t we go through turning the page of the calendar ten minutes ago? I know because it’s in my last letter. Jeepers! I hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and well. And here we are, once again in the “Dog Days” of summer. They technically started on July 3rd until August 11th. “Why?” you might ask. Because it has nothing to do with our furry, four legged friends, it’s because Sirius, The Dog Star, is part of the constellation Canis Major and can be seen at dusk. It’s the brightest star in the sky. This year it will be visible until August 11th. You should be able to see it without a telescope; but if you have one, enjoy the magnificent sparkling display.

Speaking of dogs and cats, I received a funny card the other day. The front is a dog asking the cat, “You know that feeling when you do something really bad and you can’t focus on anything all day because you are so embarrassed?” The cat looks up at the dog and says: “No.”

I think I’ve shared this with you before, but it’s worth repeating. Keep valuables under lock and key. My cats have broken everything in the house, and it’s just a matter of time before Mz. Boo figures out a way to pick the locks. I keep checking packages from Amazon to be sure she hasn’t ordered a locksmith kit. Now, there’s Mz. Boo’s mommy, Tessie. She can turn the TV on, and if it’s a show she likes, she’ll leave it, but if not, she’ll turn it off. She still hasn’t mastered changing the channel. Yet. She also knows how to turn on the water but still hasn’t figured out how to turn it off. It’s been a big learning curve. Quite frankly, I don’t think she cares. We discovered her favorite beverage is ginger ale. And she must drink it from a straw, just like the lady she is (as if). We are now trying to figure out how to do a blind taste-test. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

August is hot and sticky down here. Every year it gets hotter and stickier. I love to sit on my rocking chairs on my front porch, but last month it was impossible. I needed a spatula to get up. After 5 minutes of that, I decided to hunker down in the air conditioning and watch my fur-family destroy whatever is in their path. Gotta love ‘em.

Big book news: On The Line is # 8 on The New York Times Best Seller List. The library edition of Proof (Book 4 in the Lost and Found Series starring Luna and Cullen Bodman) is available now, and the paperback will be available August 20th. I am sorry to say that will be the last book in the series. ☹

Sweet Vengeance is going to be reissued with a spectacular new cover and a new format. It will be in the Trade Paperback trim size (bigger paperback). I’ll save the fall announcements for next month!

It is hard to imagine school will be starting in some states at the end of this month, so the weekends are precious and there is nothing better than a good family dinner, especially a traditional Southern dinner. I wrote about this two years ago, but it still works! Many people turn up their noses to collard greens – I for one, am one of those people – but this is made with bacon. Everything is better with bacon. (I wonder why no one has invented bacon flavored toothpaste…oh well) As I mentioned before, this recipe comes from Ashley Fenimore, a beautiful young pharmacological oncologist who won the Charleston Magazine contest for side vegetables. Her collard greens was the winning recipe!  Ashley is one of those people who work tirelessly in search of the cure for cancer. After a long week in the lab, she relaxes by cooking with her family. Another friend Carolyn Williams gave us her family recipe for fried chicken. And, of course, every Southern meal must have potato salad.

Contest stuff:  Everyone seems to be enjoying the contests for a bundle of my books so I’m going to do that again! One winner will receive a signed copy of PROOF with the complete set of the Lost and Found series.  And I am planning a special contest for the holidays.

Thanks for all your support, and kind words. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Stay cool, stay well, stay safe, and most of all stay sane!

Warm regards,
Fern

Dear Friends,

Wait a second!  Didn’t we just turn a page on the calendar five minutes ago, or am I delirious from the heat? Maybe both?

Remember when talking about the weather was a safe subject?  People may not want to acknowledge climate change, but guess what kids?  The climate is changing every single day.  Call it whatever you want but it seems as if the weather people can’t seem to get a handle on it either.  From where I am sitting, I can tell you the summers are getting hotter, starting sooner, and are relentless. We used to call them “sultry,” and I could sit in my rocker on my porch and enjoy a cold bottle of Coca Cola.  Today?  Nope.  It’s close to one-hundred degrees and the humidity could steam the wrinkles out of a linen suit.

And it’s not just the weather that is extreme.  Anxiety levels are at their peak.  There seems to be a new thing to fret about every day.  My advice?  Don’t get your panties in a knot over little annoyances, like the guy at the head of the line at the drug store who wants to discuss his ingrown toenail with the pharmacist.  Use that time to think about all the things you can be grateful for, including the fact that the guy will eventually pay for his Fungi Nail and get the heck out of there.  Or, you can try thought balloons.  Like in the cartoons.  Sometimes I laugh out loud at what’s going through my head and then everyone around me takes a few steps back.  Gives me a little more elbow room.

My point is, try to stay positive, and focus on the things you can actually control.  In the words of Mark Twain, ‘Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.”

Be kind even if you want to choke the living heck out of the idiot who left his shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot, or the obnoxious guy in the fancy car who just cut you off.  As long as nobody got hurt, you’re having a good day.

Often it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.  Say hello to the guy in the produce section.  Ask him what looks good this week?  Even if you don’t care, you will make him feel important, and everyone wants a taste of that: acknowledgement.  I was walking to my car the other day and a woman was walking toward me.  I said, “Good morning.”  Suddenly her face lit up and she returned the greeting.  I went on to tell her I liked her outfit (which I actually did.)  She was beaming.  I’d like to think I made her day, or at least her morning until she got behind the guy in the pharmacy.  LOL.  Pay it forward my friends.

I want to thank you for your kind words and messages.  It means the world to me that after all the years I’ve been writing, I can still reach people’s hearts, minds, and souls.  So, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

On to books.  If you haven’t read ON THE LINE yet, I hope you will give it a try.  There was a wonderful wine and food tasting to honor the paperback release, and the proceeds went to World Central Kitchen, which is ‘central” to the story.  There were lots of requests for extra copies for people to feature it in their “Little Free Library.”  Now that is definitely a thing, started by an organization with a mission to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access.  If you have the desire to find out more you can go to their website, https://littlefreelibrary.org/ or you can buy a kit on-line.

This month’s contest will be:
1st prize ON THE LINE and 4 additional books in tote bag; second and third prize will get a copy of ON THE LINE

Wishing you a happy and peaceful month.
All the best,
Fern

Dear Friends,

Even though the summer hasn’t officially started, the weather has been extremely hot and steamy, although that’s not new to South Carolina.  It seems like it lasts longer and gets hotter more often, and we keep flipping the pages of the calendar much faster.  I know you know what I am talking about.  Scientists at NASA have said that our solar system is moving faster through the universe. It’s infinitesimal, yet somehow we seem to feel it.  Speaking of the spinning of the planets, I hope some of you were able to see the Northern Lights courtesy of a solar storm.  Yep.  Solar Storm.  There’ve been three so far this summer.  Makes you wonder, or better we don’t!  LOL.

Most of you know that I have become one of those “Cat Ladies.”  I refrain from inserting the word “Crazy” but give me time.  They make me laugh out loud.  I can honestly say I probably do sound like a crazy cat lady.  I love those hooligans to the moon and back.

As far as book stuff, this month’s contest will be a grand prize of signed copies of ON THE LINE, TINY BLESSINGS, HIDE & SEEK, KISS & TELL, THE WILD SIDE, all stuffed inside a canvas tote bag.  Two other winners will receive signed copies of ON THE LINE.

The paperback edition of ON THE LINE is on sale now.  It’s filled with history and contemporary themes.  You will find yourself in the midst of Pablo Escobar’s narco-terrorist reign in the 1980’s and follow a family that goes to great lengths to escape to America.  Their son becomes the new “it” chef in the New York culinary scene, but a mysterious blood infection stops him in his tracks, while dark family secrets are revealed.

That’s my news for now.  Be safe, be kind, stay cool, and have fun.

All the best,
Fern

Dear Friends,

Spring has come!  Flowers, trees, and shrubs are blooming.  It brings a sense of hope.  The phrase “Hope Springs Eternal,” is interesting that the words “hope” and “spring” are linked together.  Spring brings hope.  I can live with that.  Let’s “hope” the world will right itself, and people can live more harmoniously.  If any of you had the opportunity to view the eclipse, it can give one pause.  We truly are one under the sun.

Here we are in the month of May.  I mentioned this a couple of years ago, but it’s worth sharing again.  Did you ever wonder why they call it “The Merry Month of May?”  It’s a poem from a play The Shoemaker’s Holiday written by Thomas Dekker (circa 1590) an Elizabethan poet and pamphleteer.  It was first performed in 1599 by The Admirals Men, also known as The Earl of Nottingham’s Men, considered one of the most important acting troupes of The English Renaissance Theatre.  The play depicts everyday life during the reign of King Henry VI.  Here’s the first verse:

O the month of May, the merry month of May,
So frolic, so gay, and so green, so green, so green!
O, and then did I unto my true love say:
“Sweet Peg, thou shalt be my summer’s queen!

One of the lines mentions “Kiss and Toy” so I’ll just leave the rest to your imagination.  But isn’t it nice to know there was real heated romance way back when?  I guess they don’t call some of the more current romance novels “Bodice Rippers” for nothing!

Getting back to this month.  Mother’s Day is coming.  Do something nice for your mother if she is still here.  And if she isn’t, light a candle and say a prayer.  A mother’s love never dies.  And nobody’s perfect.

Speaking of families, my fur-babies are up to their usual tricks.  Miz Boo insists on walking on my head if I don’t get up fast enough.  I’ve been told that’s a “thing” with cats.  I swear they talk to each other somehow, and I’ve caught them giving each other sideways looks.  A bunch of wise guys.  LOL.  And they do make me laugh.

In addition to Mother’s Day, we have Memorial Day Weekend.  I’ll share some simple holiday recipes.  But first, on to book news.  The paperback edition of ON THE LINE will be available May 21st.  It’s about a young chef who is on his way to becoming the latest celebrity but becomes ill with a mysterious illness.  While he’s recovering in the hospital, he sees a segment with José Andrés and how he began The World Central Kitchen in 2010 after an earthquake in Haiti.  That much of the story is actually true.  Since that time World Central Kitchen has been providing food relief to people who are suffering from natural and unnatural disasters.  As of last month, the organization has served over 32 million meals.  Again, that is also true.  There is a lot of mystery and inspiration in the book, including how Mateo’s family escaped from the drug cartels in Columbia.  If you haven’t read the hardcover, I hope you will enjoy it, and be inspired by good deeds.

This month’s contest:  Two winners will receive:
Tote bag with signed copies of ON THE LINE, THE WILD SIDE, ROCK BOTTOM, HIDE & SEEK and TINY BLESSINGS.

Be safe, Be kind.
All the best,
Fern

Dear Friends,

Hooray for Spring!  Blooming flowers brings me so much joy, and we can all use some of that now.  I know the world is a mess, but we can’t give up on hope.  Pray, meditate, whatever brings you peace.  We have to think that way otherwise we will be depressed, and I know so many people are feeling down and exhausted.  Maybe vow to not watch the news for a day or two.  Take a walk.  Start your gardens.  Nature is a good antidote.  If it’s raining watch an old favorite movie.  Bake something delicious.  Meet a friend for lunch.  Reframe those photos that have been sitting in a box.  Do something that brings you peace, and a little satisfaction.

We have a rare cosmic event on April 8th:  A full solar eclipse will be seen by most of the states.  PLEASE be sure to wear special glasses.  You can buy inexpensive cardboard frames that are specifically designed for this.  And I mean inexpensive.  You can get a pack of ten for ten bucks, but make sure they are ASS (American Astronomical Society) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified.

For the past two months I have been plagued with major computer issues, and I know I am not alone when it comes to techno nightmares.  And, if you’ve been through this, you know how frustrating it is, plus all the time wasted.  Being on deadlines makes it even more annoying, but here I am, back at the keyboard, until the internet decides to “take a powder.,” which means to leave in a hurry.  Some of you know that expression, but did you know where it came from?  Back in the 1920’s laxatives were in powder form.  When a doctor would prescribe it, you had to leave in a hurry!  I think it’s kind of funny.  But here’s something that’s not so funny.

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS.  THEY ARE INFILTRATING WEBSITES WITH REQUESTS FOR YOUR CREDIT CARD.  I WILL NEVER, AS IN NEVER, EVER ASK FOR THAT.  SCAMMERS HAVE SET UP WEBSITES USING PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK.  WE HAVE CONTACTED THE AUTHORITIES BUT THIS IS SPREADING OUT OF CONTROL.  SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL.  IF YOU THINK IT’S A SCAM, REPORT AND DELETE IT.

Book news:  this is a little eerie, but I wanted to share it with anyone who hasn’t read ROCK BOTTOM yet, or if you did, you know it’s about buildings and bridges collapsing, and last week there was a terrible accident on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.  Gave me chills in more ways than one.

THE WILD SIDE is out now, and as I mentioned last month, Melanie Drake kicks butt as a retired OSI officer, brought back for a few missions while she is currently working as a guidance counselor.  She is a woman of many disguises as she escorts some of the richest men in the world.  Lots of intrigue, mystery, and two dogs!

This month’s contest we will have two winners.  Each will receive a pretty tote bag with signed copies of ON THE LINE, THE WILD SIDE, ROCK BOTTOM, WISH LIST and HIDE & SEEK.

Be well, stay safe, be kind, and remember to maintain a sense of humor.

All the best,
Fern

Hello Friends,

March comes in like a Lion???  Been on the warm side, all over the country.

Lots going on this month and into the first week of April.  First, we have The Ides of March, the day when Julius Caesar was assassinated.  Most people were taught that Caesar was warned by a soothsayer “Beware the Ides of March,” but, in fact, the line comes from William Shakespeare in his play, Julius Caesar.  Interesting, eh?  And “Et tu Brute?”  (And you too, Brutus?  Accusing his friend of treason) was also from the play.  By the way, the play was written in 1599, by candlelight.  Glad I have electricity and a computer!

Two days after the Ides, we have St. Patrick’s Day.  Here’s another interesting factoid.  St. Patrick was kidnapped when he was sixteen and worked as a shepherd for six years.  During that time, he received a “message from God” telling him to flee to the coast where he would find freedom.  And he did, which was what inspired him to become a priest.  The legend that he banished “snakes” from Ireland is an allegory—he actually banished paganism from Ireland.  I guess pagans were called snakes at the time.

At the end of the month, we have Easter.  I mention this every year because I find it fascinating.  As you know, Easter falls on different Sundays.  Why?  Because it’s the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the Equinox.  Equinox is March 19th.  Full Moon is March 26.  The next Sunday is March 31st.

Now that we’ve completed the history part of this letter, let’s move on to things more personal.  The fur family is doing just fine, and I still haven’t been able to figure out who is unraveling the toilet paper.  Some of you know, Miz Boo’s front paw is a stump, which is what has me stumped.  When I ask them who made the mess, they all look at each other and shrug.  Mind games.

I also want to remind you about cyber security.  There is an enormous amount of scams and spam flooding the internet.  When you search for a specific company or website, make sure https: accompanies the name of the company.  It’s easy to be fooled into thinking you’re logging into one website when it isn’t what you think it is.  Be careful.  It’s scary and dangerous out there in cyberspace.

Book news:  The Wild Side will be published on March 26th.  Melanie Drake, a seemingly ordinary guidance counselor, gets dragged into doing one final job for her previous boss at the Department of Special Investigations, and goes undercover as a high-class escort to bring down a dangerous network of ruthless and powerful men.  I’ll be giving away a signed copy in this month’s contest, as well as a few of my favorites.  Goodreads is also sponsoring a contest.  So be sure to enter one or both.  I think you’ll like Melanie.  She’s a kick-ass character.

Be well, be safe, be happy.  Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Fern