Happy New Year to all my friends on the firefly blog!

First, let me say that WINTER GARDEN IS FINALLY OUT IN PAPERBACK!!

Now, that I'm done with that, I know what you're thinking: I've been gone too long. What can I say? You're absolutely right. These past few months have been a real roller coaster ride. As many of you know, my son came home for Thanksgiving, and as always, we had a great time together. This year was a big one at my table--lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends. I was especially happy to host my brother and his family (whom I adore). All of that cooking and shopping and table-setting paid off big time. For those of you who are interested, I stumbled across a KILLER sweet potato recipe. If you're interested, I'll be happy to share.

Then, of course, in the blink of an eye, it was December. You know what that means: the holidays. More cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping, and planning. My immediate family spent the holiday--as usual--skiing in Northern Idaho. The weather was flawless--bluebird skies, feet of new snow, and short lift lines. We had an absolute dream of a time. The only problem was that I spent most of the week trying to keep up with my twenty-three year old son (until his friends showed up en masse). I don't know if you've ever tried to ski all day (and I do mean all day) with a twenty-three year old who got new skiis for Christmas, but I can tell you it is HARD work. One steep black diamond run after another. I would just catch up with him and he would take off again.

Advil became my best friend.

Finally, his friends showed up and my role changed. I didn't have to keep up with the kids anymore, I just had to feed them. And feed them. And feed them. And oh yeah, mom, Ryan is a vegetarian. :) What can I say? It was crazy and madcap and I loved every minute.

Now, though, the holidays are over, and life is coming slowly (or not so slowly) back to normal. We are home again (nice title, don't you think?), our son is flying back to sunny So Cal even as we speak, and I have control of the remote again. :) I am back to work, writing. Or, well...kind of writing. I'm actually editing. I read the 150 pages I had written (the fourth draft) of the book for 2012, decided it was BORING, and threw most of it away. So, yes, I'm starting again. Sigh.

The biggest news is that Winter Garden is finally coming out in trade paperback. I'm really excited about this, because I know how many readers--and book clubs--have been waiting for this day as much as I have. As you know, I talk to book clubs via speakerphone, and I can't wait to start hearing from clubs who have chosen Winter Garden in paperback. Don't be shy.

And now, for the secret part of this blog. I do a lot on facebook these days, but this blog will always have my heart, so here it is: a secret giveaway. On January 6th, I will give away a signed copy of Winter Garden to someone who comments on this blog. I will close my eyes, pick a number and choose one of you to win a copy of the book. Good luck!