WHAT DO YOU DO?

This is a first for me. My book is at the editors. She'll have it back to me in a few days. The book cover is in the process of being made. I feel like a load has been lifted from my shoulders. It's a good feeling.

I'm working on Book #2, Susannah's Hope. You meet Susannah in the first book. She's a spoiled, selfish, opinionated woman. She loves to gossip and cares only for herself. Her family owns Cole's General Store, the only store in the settlement. By the way, the settlement gets a name in this book. It's Maple Ridge.

In the first chapter Susannah's father is killed in a flash flood and she almost drowns. She's taken to Aaron and Mary Gibson's house. Mary is a nurse, or healer. It's more convenient for her to be there so Mary can care for her as she recovers. Susannah and her family have no love for the Melungeons, so she is put in a very awkward position. She does become friends with Mary and her family.

Susannah knows nothing about being a store owner. She does find out her father and grandfather have been cheating the Indians and the Melungeons. After her grandmother's death, she decides to charge everyone the same price. Her life changes for the good then.

Dr. Val Minor has taken a liking to Susannah, but he remembers how she treated him before. He is a Melungeon and darker skinned. (Melungeons are not black, but look like they have a year-round tan.) Susannah hires Rachel Gibson, Mary's daughter, to help in the store. They become very good friends.

There are three love stories in this book. I'll not give them away. There is also more prejudice shown. I hope you will find this book interesting when it comes out in the winter of 2013.