Second Chances, Stormy Skies & Magic in our Backyard

Hello magical friends!

I've Missed You!

It's been a couple of weeks since I sent my last newsletter, and I've missed you all! The second half of February has been an absolute whirlwind. A wonderful convention, an epic storm, a wedding in my backyard, and family in town. Please forgive me for staying away so long!

LoveLitCon: A Dream Weekend

LoveLitCon in San Diego was a dream. What a delight to connect with so many fantastic authors and meet so many readers. One attendee carried one of my books cross-country for me to sign! I also had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion about romance genres. It was such an interesting conversation on both the author and reader side, covering the differences between indie and trad, how categories can be misleading, and how important reviews are when it comes to helping readers find the books they're looking for.

The Storm That Almost Stopped a Wedding

When I got home from that beautiful sunny weekend in San Diego, a big storm rolled in. One of our backyard sofas blew clear across the yard. Dozens of branches came down from the trees. At one point, it felt like my whole house might blow away.

It was dramatic and stressful, especially when it was still storming Wednesday night and I knew we had to be ready for a wedding happening here on Saturday!

But then, finally the sun came out on Friday. After hauling away two truckloads of storm debris, we were back in business.

LOVE business.

Second Chance Romance (The Best Kind)

I know I've posted about all the proposals and weddings in the gazebo across the street, but last week the gorgeous couple taking photos there walked around the corner and got married in my backyard.

Friends, I am a sucker for a second-chance romance. It may even be my favorite trope. Maybe it's a midlife thing, but the last decade has not been kind to many of my couple friends. I've seen so many of my nearest and dearest navigate heartwrenching divorces.

But here's the amazing, soul-affirming, love-affirming part: I've seen more than half of them emerge like phoenixes. Stronger, happier, and in love again. Not just with new partners, but with themselves and with life.

I am so here for that. Literally, in this case. 

When my dear friend mentioned she was looking for a venue in this area to get married, I started jumping up and down, waving my arms, shouting "Ooh ooh! Pick me! Pick me!"

The wedding was spectacular. Not only did the weather cooperate, but both sides of the family helped make it special. I've never seen a party this size come together more smoothly. Everyone in attendance was feeling the same thing I was, I think:

Young love is precious and sweet. But witnessing second-chance romances does something special for your soul.