Category Archives: Monthly Letter

Hello Friends,

I believe I can call you friends.  Friends are people you can count on and rarely disappoint.  You have been extremely kind and supportive over the years and I am truly grateful for it.

This summer has started with a lot of upheaval between the extreme weather in the Southeast and Midwest, and those to the north have had horrible air quality.  The fires in Canada are quite sad.  The fires anywhere are sad for that matter.  I always ache for the animals and hope they can find their way out of it.  Of course there’s the vegetation.  So if you pray, pray we can have a better, balanced world.

Now let’s move on to a few uplifting things.  Fireworks!  I trust everyone followed all the safety precautions.  It reminds me of when I was a kid and boys would throw cherry bombs into trash cans and hope they didn’t blow off their eyebrows!  Ah, the good old days!

Speaking of days, they sure blow by fast.  Too fast.  It’s been three years since I became a crazy cat lady.  Imagine that!  You would think they would have calmed down by now, but no.  Still turning on the faucet, the TV, and using toilet paper to decorate the bathroom.  But guess what?  I don’t care.  They amuse and entertain me and they’re not creating a scene that would require the police.  LOL.

Otherwise it’s been quiet.  Too quiet, to be honest.

The summer will come to a close before you know it, so enjoy what you can of it when you can.  And if you can’t, then make time to do it.  Remember what they say, no one’s last words are “I wish I spent more time at the office.”  So be good to yourselves and each other.  Carpe diem.  (I think I spelled that right.)

There are a lot of e-book specials this month so please check out my FB page for details.  This month’s contest will be a selection of some of my favorite books and a cute little basket.

Be good, have fun, and be safe!
Cheers!
Fern

Dear Friends,

June is busting out all over!  The hydrangeas, magnolias, roses, and a spectacular Chaste tree.  Check out the photos!  I hope you had a good Memorial Day Weekend.  Time to remember and reflect on those who gave everything for our country.  Sometimes I think we forget those who put country before anything else, including the sacrifices their families made as well.  It’s not only a day to remember those who have been lost, but those who continue to fight the good fight for our safety.  When you see someone in uniform say, “Thank you for your service.”  You’d be surprised how you can make their day.

And, every day should be a day where we remember our blessings and be thankful.  I know I am.  I am thankful for the opportunity to bring you entertaining stories, and thankful to everyone who reads my books.  I am thankful for my fur-family, my friends, and all the support I get from my fans.  So, thank you, thank you, thank you.

When I am holed up in my office with my fur menagerie I get engrossed in the characters and the scenarios I create.  Quite frankly, I kind of miss them afterward which is why I enjoy writing series.  We get to “play” together again.   It’s like a reunion, except nobody gets old!  If only.

With all the traveling over the holiday weekend, it seems as if vacations are back in full swing.  Last summer was a rehearsal after the pandemic torture and I hope people will find the time to reunite with loved ones to celebrate each other.  How nice it is to be able to see people and hug them again!

As many of you know, I have become a cat-lady.  After three years I have graduated to “crazy-cat-lady.”  I wrote about Winnie, my senior cat.  For years I thought she was a she, and it turned out she was a he.  Who knew???  Certainly not me!  Now Winnie lives on my dining room table.  No judgement please.  There’s plenty of room for both of us.  A friend of mine told me a story about her Aunt Anna.  Aunt Anna hated cats.  Why?  There never really seemed to be a good reason.  One evening Aunt Anna was visiting and was making such a big stink about a cat being in the house that my friend put her cat’s food bowl on the dining room table.  The cat sat in the chair and proceeded to chow down.  Aunt Anna made a quick exit.  I don’t think she ever went there for dinner again.  LOL.  People may think I’m eccentric and quite frankly it doesn’t bother me.  I earned it.  So if anyone gives you grief about your choice of company you can easily say, “You just helped me make my point.”  Ha.

About books: the library edition of LIAR! is now available with the paperback edition coming at the end of August.  It’s the third installment of Lost and Found where the gang goes to New York for an art show and find themselves in the middle of a twenty-year old kidnapping mystery.  Lots of twists and turns and an insider’s guide to some special places in New York City.

I hope you have an enjoyable June…weddings, graduations, celebrations.  Or, just make something up!  Live every day to the fullest.  Be safe.  Be kind.  And keep your sense of humor.  Laughter is the best medicine.

This month’s contest will have two prize winners.  The first prize winner will receive a beach tote filled with 6 signed books that include two from the Sisterhood series and HIDDEN and SECRETS from the Lost and Found series. Second prize will be 5 signed books that include books from both the Sisterhood and Lost and Found series.

All the best to you.
Fern

Dear Friends,

I said this last month and I shall say it again!!!  Hooray for Spring!  This month magnolias are in full bloom.  Everything is coming back to big, bold, beautiful brightness!  Flowers and sunshine are good for the soul.  And your mood.  Ever notice how much happier you are when the sun is shining?  I know there have been many studies on it.  There’s even an acronym for when you’re in a funk when it’s gray, or when the seasons change.  It’s called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  It’s no coincidence that the rate goes down when the season changes to Spring and through Summer.  So, you’re not crazy.  It’s a thing.  Enjoy the sunshine.

I hope you enjoyed your holiday.  Easter Sunday was lovely.  We had it at my daughter’s house this year because Winnie, my cat, turned my dining room table into his personal living quarters.

I passed a major milestone birthday last month.  When I woke up there were balloons all over my yard and inside my house.  I love balloons, BTW.  Do not ask me how old I am.  That’s almost as bad as asking someone how much they weigh.  Both of my numbers are unlisted.

This month is also Mother’s Day.  If she isn’t with you in person, she will always be with you in spirit.

Book news:  My publisher is running some special one-day-only e-book promotions.  We post it as soon as we find out, which is about 2 weeks before the promotion begins, so keep checking my Facebook page for updates.  Fear Thy Neighbor is on-sale now in paperback.

Be well.  Be safe.  Be kind.  Keep your sense of humor, keep reading, and keep cooking!

This month we will have three contest prizes.  First prize is a signed first edition of On The Line and will also include Fear Thy Neighbor and a few of my favorites; Second and Third prize will be signed first editions of On The Line with Second prize including a signed copy of Fear Thy Neighbor and Third prize a signed copy of Finders Keepers.

All the best,
Fern

Dear Friends,

Hooray for Spring! The rebirth from the darkness. The azaleas are in full bloom. Everything is coming back to big, bold, beautiful brightness! I just hope the weather behaves and everyone can enjoy a lovely spring.

I was looking at some of my previous letters. Three years ago we were in the dark ages of COVID. At least that dark cloud is behind us. But it sure would be nice if we had no more surprises.

Most of you know I am a news junkie and the news hasn’t been great. There is turmoil, treachery, and just a whole lot of bad going on. It’s hard not to let it get the best of you. I try to turn it off, but it’s addicting. I had a conversation with a friend the other night who said she was feeling depressed. There was nothing in particular, but she felt weepy. I told her to stop watching the news. Maybe I should take my own advice. Ha. But it’s true, my friends. If the only things we hear about are horrible, then we’re going to feel horrible. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to feel horrible about, but I’ve said it many times, when you get up each day, think about something that makes you happy. Even if it’s just one thing. And then be thankful for it.

It’s my pet menagerie that keeps me sane. I imagine them having a conversation about what stunts they’re going to pull while I’m asleep. Just like the commercials:

One says, “your turn to unroll the toilet paper.”

“But I did it last month. Let me play with the remote!”, says the other.

All this from the mind of a crazy cat lady.

April is a month of holidays. We have Easter and Passover. I know I mentioned it in the past, but did you know why Easter is different every year? It’s the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Equinox. So if you want to know when Easter will fall next year, look up the day of the Equinox and the full moon that follows. The Sunday after will be Easter. You can bet your chocolate bunny on it!

On to book news: On The Line is finally available and the reviews have been wonderful! My appreciation to everyone who has taken the time to read it and the time to review it. It means so much to me when I know I did my job. My job to entertain you. To transport you. To give you hope, laughs, and a mystery to solve. Plus, there are some wonderful recipes in it too!

I wish everyone a blessed holiday no matter what you practice as long as you practice kindness in the mix. Be well. Be safe. Be kind. Keep your sense of humor. Keep reading, and cooking!

All the best,
Fern

Hello Friends,

March comes in like a Lion…a very large one. The winter was almost in our rear-view mirror when all of a sudden not one, not two, but three major snowstorms hit the country in less than a week. I hope you’ve been able to weather the weather.

I normally don’t like to talk about my health, but recently I fell twice and it wasn’t pretty. My purpose for telling you this is that one of the reasons is because I wasn’t paying attention; and the other was that I was in too much of a hurry. So please slow down and watch where you are going. Unless you are running from a fire, or trying to save someone, take your time. There will always be another bus, train, flight, movie, concert, whatever. Nothing is worth hurting yourself over. End of speech.

The fur family is doing just fine, and I still haven’t figured out who is unraveling the toilet paper.

People who aren’t pet owners don’t understand how I can find something like that funny. They are missing out on unconditional love and entertainment. Let’s face it, hitting the TV remote in the middle of the night or turning on the faucet isn’t criminal behavior. I’m thrilled I have such ingenious animals. Sometimes I think they are smarter than I am. After all, I do all the work. And I don’t mind one bit.

I also want to remind you about cyber security. There is an enormous amount of scams and spam flooding the internet. If you see “YOU HAVE WON” in the subject line, DO NOT OPEN IT. Unless you get an email from me or Diane, my Social Media Relations go to person, about my contests, I would almost bet those other “winning” emails are a means to hack into your computer or gain sensitive information. There should be an option in your email to “Report Spam.” Please do it.

On to more fun things. I am thrilled to announce Tick Tock made it to # 6 on The New York Times Best Seller List. It blows my mind that we are on book #34 in The Sisterhood and, so far, every one of them has hit the list. So, thank you for your readership, your emails, and your posts.

As I mentioned in the February letter, On The Line will be available March 28th. It begins with a rising star in the culinary industry who begins to have serious and mysterious health issues. We are then taken back to the 1980’s when his family experiences a harrowing escape from the Medellin Cartel. As the story unfolds we learn about his family’s past and a long-held dark secret. It has history, mystery, family loyalty, and a bit of romance. It’s cross-generational with strong male and female characters and I like to think there is something for everyone in this book. That being said, this month’s contest is a signed first edition of On The Line, AND a few of my other favorite books.

All the best,
Fern

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and well.  Welcome to Feburrraray!  I don’t remember it ever being this cold in South Carolina.  And the Ground Hog?  All he has to do is look at a calendar and see that Spring is 6 weeks away.  He must have a good contract with the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce.  LOL.

I hope my lesson in internet safety last month was helpful.  Cybercrime is at an all-time high.  A friend of mine had one of her credit cards hijacked and it never left her house.  So, be careful.  If you don’t have an RFID wallet you can get RFID protectors to put in your purse.  They’re the size of a credit card and will keep your information safe from people with scanners.  Yes, people walk around with them in stores.  They look like cell phones.  Not to make you paranoid, but just keep your eyes open.  It’s easy to get distracted when you’re shopping, especially if you have kids.

My personal animal farm is doing well.  They keep me amused.  I’m not sure who is doing this, but several mornings I woke up to a pile of toilet paper on the floor.  One of those rascals unraveled the entire roll.  Good thing it isn’t those COVID days when toilet paper was a scarce commodity.

Besides Ground Hog Day we also have Valentine’s Day.  I have mixed feelings.  As a writer of romance novels, I am sometimes ambivalent about it.  I know that sounds contrary, but the reason I write those types of novels is because it’s the kind of romantic experience we wish we can have.  And who says we can’t?  If no one buys you candy this year, buy some for yourself.  Or buy yourself a new purse.  Treat yourself.  We shouldn’t have to wait for other people to do something nice for us or validate us, for that matter.  Whatever you do, remember it’s important.  Someone is counting on you, whether it’s your family, your boss, your customers, or your pets. Remember self-care is not being selfish.  So be kind to yourself.  And others, of course.  When you feel uplifted, it’s easy to pass along the good vibes.

Book news:  This month’s contest is a signed edition of my next hardcover On The Line coming March 28th.   It centers around an up-and-coming chef, who begins to have serious and mysterious health issues as we learn about his family’s past and their treacherous escape from one of the biggest drug cartels in the world.  It has history, mystery, family loyalty, and a bit of romance.  That’s all I am going to say about it, and I hope you will enjoy reading it.

Take care.  Be safe.  Be Well.  Be Happy.

All the best,
Fern

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!  I hope 2023 will bring you good health, happiness, and blessings.  Don’t forget to count them too.  😊

I want to start by saying thank you for your support, and all of your kind words.  It means the world to me to know I touched your lives in some way.  I read every comment and I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to correspond.

As you are aware, scams are in no short supply, and every single one of us is going to be a target.  You can’t escape the attempts, but you can try to arm yourself the best way you can.  I am telling you this because recently someone was asked to pay an entry fee for one of my contests.  I will say this right now, NO WAY.  NO HOW.  I will never ask you for money.

I know very little about cyber security (don’t tell Myra or Charles), but a cyber security specialist gave me this advice about passwords—don’t moan, this is very easy and the scammer hasn’t been able to run code that includes a lot of letters and numbers.  That’s why you’ll see those funny password suggestions.  Here is what is recommended:

Substitute numbers for letters.  For example:

Mister Pickles  would become M1$t3r P1ckl3$

I = 1
O = 0 (zero)
E = 3
S = $

See how easy that was?  And it’s easy for you to remember because you probably use the same password for everything.  Right?   That too is a no-no.   If you can, spend a little time reviewing your “on-line presence.”  Take a few minutes each day to change your passwords.  You don’t have to do it all at once.

Which brings me on to the next subject.  Not everything has to be done in one day, or all at once.  Take clearing out closets, for example.  You don’t have to do all of them at the same time.  Pick one.  I promise you will feel like you accomplished something.  You will feel so good you’ll be motivated to do it again.  With this crazy world, that is probably the one thing we can control.  Our closets.  LOL.

Book news:  Tick Tock (Sisterhood 34) has just hit the shelves.  Spoiler alert:  It has nothing to do with TIK TOK.  It’s tick-tock, as in a bomb.  And that’s all I am going to tell you about it.

Be well, be safe, be kind.
Fern

This months’ contest is:
A bundle of Sisterhood books that includes the first one (Weekend Warriors) and four recent ones including Tick Tock.

Dear Reader,

Hello again.  Time is moving faster than Santa’s reindeer going downhill on a ski slope!  Actually I have no idea how fast that is because I have never been on skis.  Nope.  Too fast, too cold.  My kids love it, but I’ll stick to a comfortable chair, sitting by the fireplace drinking some mulled cider.

Tis the season for shopping, planning, and panic attacks.  I was in a store the other day and a woman in line started breathing heavily and started to sweat.  She turned to me and said, “I think I’m having a heart attack!”  Naturally everyone gasped, but before someone dialed for an ambulance, I put my hand on her shoulder and said, “It’s ok.  You’re going to be ok.  In fact, I’ll let you get in line ahead of me.”  The woman clutched her chest, looked at me and said, “Really?”  I handed her a cookie I pulled from a bag I was about to pay for.  Like magic, she snapped out of it and pushed her cart in front of mine.  The cashier was so grateful the incident didn’t escalate, she gave me the cookies for free!  One good turn deserves a bag of chips!  Chocolate chips!

I know I told you that we have to have our Christmas decorations up right after Halloween or the Ornament Police will issue a summons and drop a chunk of black coal on your doorstep.  I’m only half kidding.  My kids arranged to decorate my house this year.  I usually go all out turning my modest home into a magical holiday scene, and this year was no different.  I must have thousands of lights in all colors; some are blinking, others are twinkling.  I even have one of those flood lights that shines an outline of Santa in the tree.  If it weren’t for the palm trees and lack of snow, you would think you were at Santa’s workshop!  It gives me such joy to see and know that a passersby can enjoy the magic of Christmas even for a moment.  Please remember to stop for a moment, too.  It’s good for the soul.

Lots of book news to share.  Santa Cruise has hit the shelves, along with Falling Stars.  At the end of December the mass market edition of Tick Tock will be available.  It’s book 34 in The Sisterhood.  The longevity of this series is astonishing.  Goes to show you women like the satisfaction of seeing justice done.

Because it is Christmas, this month’s contest will be a satchel of Christmas books. Be sure to enter.

I am including a lot of recipes this month because holidays are a wonderful reason to share a meal.

Be well.  Be Safe.  Take care of yourself and have a peaceful, wonderful, magical holiday.

And a sane, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Warmest wishes,
Fern

P.S. Now we wait and see how long it will take before my little fur family decides the ornaments are their new toys.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my website.  It’s mind boggling that we are now in the month of November.  They say our universe is expanding as in THE universe, and galaxies are moving faster.  Well I can’t move any faster even if you lit a fire under me!  Ha.  All jokes aside, time does seem to have accelerated.  Perhaps we will be moving faster into a nicer, kinder, gentler world.  Yeah, I can hope!  And that’s what prayers are for.

Thanksgiving plans also seem to be moving at breakneck speed, and before you know it Christmas will be at our door.  It’s exhausting thinking about it, so I won’t—for now.  Although where I live, if you don’t have your holiday decorations up the day after Halloween, they’ll send the ornament police after you!

Back to Thanksgiving.  It used to be a time when families would gather and show their gratitude for their blessings.  Today it’s football, faces stuck to cell phones, video games, and getting ready for Black Friday.  Again, exhausting.  Let’s not forget the stress of inviting annoying relatives.  The upside of having a big family dinner is that you can avoid the pesky ones.  But if you have a small family and you drink, start early.  If you don’t drink, reconsider your invitation list.  Or, pretend you’re going away for the weekend.  Pull the curtains shut and keep most of the lights off.  Maybe leave a newspaper in front of your door to look authentic.

Now let’s talk about Black Friday.  I understand there are lots of bargains, but it seems as if there are sales every other weekend.  Truth be told, you couldn’t get me near a store even if they were giving away a free giant television.  (I’d send my grandson.  He’s young.  He can manage.)  Seriously, I am really grateful for internet browsing, and of course all the shopping networks.  Click here, click there.  Done.

Looking ahead, my advice is give yourself a break.  Boundaries, my friends.    I’ve adopted a new saying: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”  There’s already enough stress to go around the world a few times.  You really don’t have to do anything but be kind.  A simple smile at the person working at the cash register can go a long way.  Appreciation for each other can change someone’s day.

On to all things books.  As many of you know Falling Stars is out now in hardcover.  Santa Cruise a fun, holiday story of four friends and their escapades on a singles cruise is now available in paperback.  Secrets, Book Two of the Lost and Found Series is on the New York Times Best-Seller List!  Woo-hoo!  If you haven’t read the first book, Hidden, don’t despair, there’s plenty of back story, although Hidden sets up the series and the quirky, artsy characters.  Tick Tock, Book 34 in The Sisterhood is coming in December.  Those women are still at it, getting justice when the system fails.  I wish they were real.  That’s why I started the series in the first place!

So, following the topic of all things books, this month’s contest will feature a copy of each book that I just mentioned including the soon to be released Tick Tock!

That’s all I have for now.  Remember, be good to each other and good to yourself.

Stay well, stay healthy and stay strong!

All the best,
Fern

Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my website.  I want to start by saying my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Ian.  We got hammered in South Carolina.  I spent 2 hours sitting in the shower due to 80mph sustained winds.  The storms are getting fiercer, and there is nothing we can do about them except be prepared as best we can.  Makes me want to build a bunker, but it would probably get flooded!  I always worry about a power outage because you don’t know how long it will last.  I have a generator,  but that won’t keep the wind from blowing off the roof.  Yep.  Scary stuff.

The kitty squad is up to their usual tricks like 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!   And then there’s her ability to turn on the faucet.  I swear they have a meeting as soon as I go to bed to decide what havoc they’re going to wreak.  But I have to admit they always make me laugh.  I suppose I’m an enabler.

There’s lots of book news to spread holiday cheer:

FALLING STARS – Hardcover On Sale Now

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON – On Sale Now with new packaging

SANTA CRUISE – Paperback on Sale Oct 25.  I must be psychic because I wrote this 2 years ago and there is a new “REAL” LOVE BOAT show airing this month, too!

People are starting their holiday shopping now because stores have too much inventory from the supply chain backlog.  So be careful out there.  The craziness is about to begin!  It seems like we’ve been living in the spin cycle of the washing machine for a couple of years.  Please try to be patient and kind as you traverse the holiday mania.

This month’s contest is a collection of books including FALLING STARS.

Be well, be safe, be kind, and try to have some fun.   Trick or Treat!

All the best, Fern