Look what just came in the mail.
It is a full color advance reader copy. It is beautiful. This is not the final manuscript – there are still a few typos, but it is very close to done.
We are going to be giving away 2 copies to US readers only. The cost of shipping internationally is prohibitive right now and we’ve had packages that were lost.
To enter, leave us a comment about something that makes you happy. Doesn’t have to be a big thing. A cup of tea, someone letting you merge onto a crowded highway, a cat perching on your lap. Just something that brought you happiness recently.
If you are reading this in your email, click here to enter.
Winners will be chosen next Friday, 09/26/2025. This is a blog giveaway, only answers in blog comments count.
When my granddaughter’s face lights up when she sees me and runs over to give me a hug :0)
Now that I’m an “empty nester” I’ve got a spare bedroom that I have been decorating, and every time I walk past it, it gives me a smile because it looks great and I’m excited about company coming to use it 🙂
The backyard and vegetable garden.
My kids growing up. Every day is something new. Even when it’s hard, it keeps bringing out the best in us. They are teens now. I love the conversations we have and the people they are turning into. They and their friends give me so much hope for the future.
Being recognized somewhere that you haven’t been in a while is all the happiness.
People being kind and helpful😀❤
Spending time with my children and grandchildren ❤️
Happiness is hanging out with my mom, sipping hot chocolate, nibbling on crackers & cheese, watching Star Trek Next Gen or Grimm, while chatting about everything and nothing at all.
I was most recently happy sitting on my small porch, with soft summer air, crickets and tree frogs singing, reading Doidge. I savored the taste of moscato with my cat curled at my feet. Life at its best.
There’s a place where I go that serves delicious lentil soup. It makes my day!
I am so happy to visit with my 2 year old neighbor.
Opening TikTok and seeing silly puppy pictures! Actually, all baby animals are too cute
Building and embelishing book nook kits to escape into minature worlds.
So exciting! It will be hard to wait another 6 months to read the new book! <3
Watching my brand new rescue dog soak in all the love!
My clever child figured out that if I go to bed to read when it’s his bedtime, he comes to mine and caresses my arm just so I let him stay with me for at least 10 minutes before telling him it’s time to go to bed or he’ll be tired for school. He keeps caressing my arm and telling me all about his day, despite my pleas for him to go to bed. He keeps asking for a few more minutes, and I cave.
His dad teases me, claiming he’s tricking me to avoid bedtime. But they don’t know the power of reverse psychology and I get him to cuddle with me more often than the brief 5-second hug I’d receive if I asked him to stay longer. It makes me happy to witness their perception of my gullibility.
Crafting makes me happy. Currently working on a quilt!
Dancing in a community of dancers
A fresh cup of locally roasted organic pour-over coffee at work. Brightens even the roughest days at the office.
And yes, turning up my nose at the lukewarm office coffee which has been sitting all day DOES make it sweeter hehe.
Watching the sun rise while listening to my favorite song.
I love to read at least a book a day, cuddled up in the air conditioning with my 2 puppies. (I live in southern California) it’s hot!
Shopping at Dollar Tree makes me happy. I have a love of post it notes, pens, dry erase markers, as well as seasonal decorations and can indulge myself without breaking the bank.
FaceTiming with my grandbaby!
I started learning guitar some weeks back, and now occasionally when practicing I can play and hear a phrase of notes, or a chord that’s Right and crisp and lovely, without squeaks or buzzing or the what-note-was-that-again? delay. 😃
Spending time with my nieces and nephews who are between the ages of 3 months and 5 years old.
Having dinner with my college age kids who actually wanted me to hang out with them. Makes all the hard things worth it to see them becoming their best selves.
Seeing my cats cuddling
Singing in my choir. Joining voices to make a beautiful sound that is so much better than the sum of its parts. Magic? Maybe.
A whole day where I have nothing but time to read a book in the sunshine!
My dog sleeping with her tongue sticking out
Reading The Inheritance made me very happy
My feral tomato garden 🍅 🌱
A TikTok series (Hells Belles) & its prequel book (For Whom the Belle Tolls) have brought me great joy and had me bursting out laughing in public.
The morning mist as I drive into work. It is just really peaceful to see first thing in the morning before the hecticness of the day.
Playing with my 9 month old Grandson.
My butterfly garden is my happy place.
Morning walks with my dog!