Cover reveal: The Yearbook Series

Here's the cover for the third book in The Yearbook Series: Tess and Jeremy due out June 10 from Limitless Publishing. Other books in the series include Gina and Mike, first book; and Sue and Tom, second book. 

Here's the skinny: 

Falling in love was easy for Jeremy and Tess. But that was college. Now, they have everything they could have hoped for then. Jeremy has a successful dental practice and Tess stays home with the kids. Life seems perfect, but their marriage is falling apart. The kids are getting older and Tess misses her pre-mommy self -- most importantly having a career she loves. Jeremy's refusal to support Tess widens the divide between them. But Tess has a secret plan. If it works, she might get the career she wants and find the husband she once knew. 

Sometimes you need to look at the past to figure out the future ... 

I can't wait for Escape from Gringotts ride at Universal

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Harry Potter: Travel Tips

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I miss you, Mom

When this photo was taken, my mom didn't know that she would have five daughters. She didn't know that she'd have eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her life was just beginning.

When I look at this photo, I wonder what she was thinking. Did she know she would lose my dad at such a young age (58) or that she would die so young (61). Or that she'd lose a daughter and her husband in their mid-40s?

She was so young, so beautiful, in the prime of her life. Ready to embark on an incredible journey that would not only teach her some tough life lessons but also give her the greatest joy she could have ever imagined.

I miss you so much, Mom. Thank you for everything you've done for me, but especially for teaching me to pursue my dreams and never give up.

I love you bunches and bunches forever and always.
 

Can't wait for new Harry Potter ride at Universal

 Can't wait for Universal to reveal details about Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The new attraction will be within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

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Harry Potter travel tips from A to Z

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Dreams: Don't give up on you

Dreams. Most of us have them, but how many of us achieve them? “Achieve them?” you ask. “Don’t dreams just happen? Isn’t that why we call them dreams?”

No, most dreams just don’t happen. They take work. Lots of work. I can dream that I want to write a book or run a race, but if I never start writing or never start running, those dreams will never materialize.

Since it’s the season of mortar boards and tassels, I thought it timely to talk about dreams.

Dreams are life’s sugar. They sweeten it and make even the darkest days more palatable. But nothing compares to achieving them. To hold that book in your hand or to cross that finish line — WOW! It’s an incredible feeling.

Read more

Book 3 in Yearbook Series coming June 10

I just got word that the third book in The Yearbook Series, Tess and Jeremy, is planned for June 10, so mark your calendars. If you haven't read books one and two (Gina and Mike, Sue and Tom) in the series, catch up now. 

So what's book three about? Here's the skinny. 

Falling in love was easy for Jeremy and Tess. But that was college. Now, they have everything they could have hoped for then. Jeremy has a successful dental practice and Tess stays home with the kids. Life seems perfect, but their marriage is falling apart. The kids are getting older and Tess misses her pre-mommy self -- most importantly having a career she loves. Jeremy's refusal to support Tess widens the divide between them. But Tess has a secret plan. If it works, she might get the career she wants and find the husband she once knew.  

Sometimes you need to look at the past to figure out the future ... 

Don't miss my other books:

The Lion Awakens
The Christmas Violin
The Moment Keeper 

'The Lion Awakens' book signing

I will sign my latest book, "The Lion Awakens," noon to 2 p.m. May 24 at Irvin's Book Store,  2159 White St., in West Manchester Township.

"The Lion Awakens" is an action-packed young adult fantasy. Here's the skinny:

Two worlds, two teens, two destinies... 

For thirteen years, Annie Lange and David McClure believed their parents were killed in fiery car crashes. They learn the truth about the past when they find hidden messages in anonymous gifts left on their front porches. The notes lead them to a mentor who helps them discover and master their special powers, powers they will need if they have any chance of saving their world from the tyrant Goliath. 

When the lion awakens, their world is forever changed...

"The Lion Awakens" book reviews

All of my books

Free alert: The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike

Get The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike FREE now. 

Here are some review snippets from this romance:

• "The story keeps you entertained as the plot jumps between an event that happens in high school and the present day. It will make you laugh and make you cry, and realize the importance off friends and family - and how a secret can change your life. Can't wait for the next book to come out!"

• "I was sucked into the story from line one and loved the whole book."

• "The characters are believable and poignant. They make tough decisions, grapple with regret and try to make the most of their situations."

• "Awesome book! This is a quick read and is hard to put down once you start."

• "I give huge kudos to this author for having the courage and will to write about such a complex topic. Making the characters come to life on page and making them all relatable in some way. For making us, the reader, feel the emotions, the anger, the hurt, the loneliness of these characters was brilliant."

• "This is a great story about the vagaries of life, but also about the redemptive and healing power of love."

Tea at The Yorktowne Hotel a success

I really enjoyed the author tea I did at The Yorktowne Hotel. It was great to see family and friends and meet some of my readers. We had a great time discussing The Moment Keeper. A big thank you to everyone who came. We hope to do it again around Christmas, focusing on The Christmas Violin. 

'Freaky Frank' cover revealed

I love the cover of my upcoming middle-grade novel from MuseItUp Publishing, "Freaky Frank." Here's the skinny.

In many ways, Frank Fratello is a typical teen. He plays baseball, hangs out with his friends at the mall and gets in trouble at home. But there’s something very different about this sixth-grader—he can read minds. And reading minds can cause problems. Like when Frank says what someone is thinking before they say it. Or answers a question before they ask it.

Despite being telepathic, Frank must deal with everyday middle school life, which includes battling a bully who hates him. Nasty Nate and his flunkies live to get others in trouble—especially Frank.

 But Frank and his friends aren’t giving up. There has to be some way to bring Nasty Nate down. They just have to find it.

...........

Stay tuned for release date and other deets. In the meantime, catch up on reading my other books:

The Lion Awakens

The Christmas Violin

The Moment Keeper

The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike

The Yearbook Series: Sue and Tom 

Pulitzer Prizes announced

I was super excited to find out who won the Pulitzer Prizes this year. Why? Because I had the honor of being a juror for this year's Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing.

I gathered at Columbia University in late February to judge the entries with an esteemed group of colleagues. We judged an outstanding body of work and everyone who entered should be proud.

The prizes are given in 14 categories of journalism as well as drama, music, poetry and books.

I was also happy I had the opportunity to work with Sig Gissler, who is retiring as administrator this summer. Those familiar with Sig know how much he helped the Pulitzer Prizes move into the digital age. Prior to becoming the Pulitzer administrator, Sig was editor of The Milwaukee Journal.

From left: Joyce Terhaar, Mark Lorando, Carolyn Murray,
Jill Williams, me, and George Getschow. Missing: Bill Church

Stephen King talking about books

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