Summer has arrived in Omaha in typical fashion, which includes sending thousands of College World Series fans and players to take cover in-between thunderstorms. It happens every year!

Whether it's a ball field or the garden or a porch, I hope you're enjoying the start of summer.

Many of you have been asking about the next book. I have some good news and some bad news.

The bad news is, I'm still writing "Chasing Creed."

The good news is, I'm still writing "Chasing Creed."

I know, I know. That's the same answer. And I apologize that you'll have to wait a little longer. With a lot of nose-to-the-grindstone and a little bit of luck, it will still be released before the end of 2025. I'm crossing my fingers it'll be just in time for the Christmas holidays!

There are certainly some twists in this one. My mind is navigating between Florida, Mississippi and Nebraska. It's exhausting! LOL!

Here's a refresh of the plot: Remember Iris Malone? She's the woman who kidnapped Brodie and held her captive. Her trial in Nebraska is drawing closer. Rumor is, Iris has hired not just one, but two assassins to eliminate any witnesess…any surviving "Charlottes," including Brodie Creed.

I've been at this for twenty-five years now and writing a book does not get easier. Years ago, when I was just getting started, I remember asking one of the best-selling authors I admired, how many books does it take before you're confident you'll finish the book you started?

I expected it to be a simple answer. Her books were regulars on the New York Times bestseller list. But she hesitated and had to think about it. Then she finally told me, "I'm not sure how many it takes, because I just started #18, and I'm not there yet."

I continue to be humbled by this process, and at the same time, I'm also immensely grateful that you can't wait for the next one.

Thank you so much for that! It propels me to the finish line. And I don't mind returning to a field in Mississippi where Ryder, Brodie and Jason (along with Grace, Hank and Scout) are searching…

VIR LUNCHEON SPECIAL GUEST

I am so excited to announce that I've invited a special guest to this year's luncheon. We are going to have so much fun!

Emilee Minnick is the owner and head trainer for Envision K9. She's going to going to treat us to a scent detection demonstration with her K9s Maizey and Buzz.

Emilee has a master's degree in criminology and criminal justice and a passion for training working dogs. She and her certified scent detection K9s cleared and prepared NBA facilities, been behind the scenes at March Madness games and even traveled with the Broadway musical "Hamilton."

I can't wait for all of us to watch Emilee and her dogs in action.

This is going to be a very special anniversary luncheon! I'd love to see you. Come join us.

It's on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Aksarben Village Hilton Garden Inn in Omaha. Seating is limited, so please don't put off registering.

Check out the details and register HERE.

BOOKS, BOOKS and MORE BOOKS

Do you have plans to take some time off this summer? Vacation? Staycation? Maybe a long weekend lost in a book?

We're discounting some of my books at the WebShop. $5.99 signed hardcovers. Add to your collection or give as a gift. And if you order any of my books as a gift, please mention it on the order form. I like to include a personalized note. You can also add a purple tote bag for the special price of $5.99 (while supplies last).

And if you haven't read "Midnight Creed" yet, we're offering this Summer Reading Travel Pack. Get a signed paperback, travel mug, tote bag and dog leash (because, of course, the dog(s) coming along with you.) For a limited time, it is $24.99 – Regularly $46.00/ A HUGE savings for you!

Whether it's a road trip, weekend getaway or staycation, I hope you find some time to relax. Here's where my dogs and I'll be: on the porch, in the garden or on the patio.

Last, if you're on Facebook, but haven't joined the V.I.R. Club pagethere yet, please come join us HERE. Deb regularly shares her book recommendations. She is a much faster reader than I am, and she always has some good picks! In fact, I usually depend on her for my next read.

As always, thank you for reading my books and sharing them with others. I truly appreciate it.