Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 03-15-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Inspiration seems to find me when I'm in the bathtub and that's okay. Soaking and writing, relaxing in the tub, I can handle that. It's the jumping out of the tub part--when I've forgotten to set a notebook and pen on the white wooden bench that sits beside my old clawed bathtub--that drives me crazy. And I could actually injure myself some day.

I'm not sure how or why creativity strikes in the tub, but here's my theory: I like my bath water hot. So hot that I can barely slide into it without feeling a burn. It's a major shock to my system, but maybe it's that stinging jolt that dislodges something creative that's been stuck in my mind. An explosive, waterborn idea that has to be addressed immediately.

I jump up--no time to reach for a towel--and run into the other room desperately needing to fill the prescription for my relief. But on the way to locating a pen and paper, it's a perilous course. I have wooden floors in my home--the original ones from 1925--and my wet feet slip and slide across them, keeling over out of control.

I can see it now when the paramedics arrive.

"How did this happen Suzanne?"

Naked, still dripping wet, with a phone in my hand: "Well," I explain to the paramedics, "I was in the bathtub, when inspiration hit me--you know how it is, don't you? The words are right there, so clear in your mind, just beggin' you to write them down. I didn't have any paper and I was running to get some, so I wouldn't forget the idea. Did you know wooden floors are really slippery when your feet are wet? And here I am. Would you please hand me a towel?"

When inspiration strikes you, you'll be ready if you win today's giveaway, a flexible covered writing journal;. To enter, click here.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT, by Sally Roesch Wagner, with an introduction by Gloria Steinem. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading today and enter for your chance to win.

Dear Reader Column 03-14-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Two young entrepreneurs, my grandsons Paul and James will be baking in my kitchen this Friday (thanks to spring break), and setting up shop on the sidewalk in front of my house Saturday morning at 7am.

"2 Broke Boys Who Bake" (the name they came up with for their business), are getting a reputation for their pumpkin bread and chocolate chip cookies made from scratch. The boys last three sales sold out of product by noon. Actually it gets a bit crazy in front of our house when they have a bake sale. People walking by on the sidewalk patronize, cars stop in the road in front of their stand, and drivers roll down the passenger side window to place their orders. Last time the boys had a bake sale, four bold ladies knocked on the front door of my house on Friday night. "We saw the sign out front that '2 Broke Boys Who Bake' are having their sale tomorrow morning, by chance are there any baked goods ready to sell yet?"

Even the folks at my dentist asked for advance notice of 2 Boys next bake sale. As I was signing in for my appointment last month, one of the techs hurried over to me, "When are your grandsons doing another bake sale? My husband bought some pumpkin bread last time and he said it's the best he's ever tasted."

Besides teaching them how to bake, I've taught the boys about overhead in business, and cost of materials. After the first two bake sales I told them they needed to figure out how much the ingredients cost and pay me for them. So Paul researched the cost of every ingredient, and when he priced vanilla extract he discovered there is a shortage, because of poor crops. "Grandma the price of vanilla is killing our bottom line!"

My kitchen will smell like pumpkin bread and chocolate chip cookies this Friday. My two grandsons will be up at 6 a.m. Saturday morning, setting up for business. Paul and James put together a bake sale flyer this past weekend and asked if I would drop one off at my dentist. Their marketing idea worked real good...my phone just rang, the tech from my dentist was on the line...

"Hi Mrs. Beecher, my husband wants to know if the boys take preorders. He wants four loaves of pumpkin bread and 1/2 dozen chocolate chip cookies. He'll be by Saturday morning to pick them up."

I think 2 Broke Boys Who Bake, won't be broke for long.

Of course I have photos, click here.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(Paranormal)
THE DARKEST CAPTIVE by Gena Showalter

(Fiction)
ALL STARS FALL by Rachel Van Dyken

(Fiction)
WICKED FORCE by Sawyer Bennett

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT, by Sally Roesch Wagner, with an introduction by Gloria Steinem. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading today and enter for your chance to win.

Dear Reader Column 03-13-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Today's guest author Valerie Fraser Luesse is an Alabama native and longtime magazine writer at Southern Living. While writing travel and feature stories, as well as essays, she has explored interesting cultural pockets from Virginia to Texas, but her specialties are the Gulf Coast and the Deep South. Valerie's first novel, Missing Isaac, won a Christy in the First Novel category and her new novel is Almost Home. Valerie and her husband, Dave, live in Birmingham with a bossy orange cat named Cheeto and a red 1953 Chevy named Fireball.

Authors love to hear from readers. Writing can be such a solitary adventure. If you have a minute, say hello at: vluessebooks@gmail.com

Please welcome Valerie Fraser Luesse to the book club...

Say It Southern

Nothing pulls you out of a good story like bad dialog--especially bad Southern dialog. My biggest fear when I made my first attempt was producing groan-worthy lines that didn't ring true to the way real people talk in the South, where I set all of my stories.

Just so you know, Southern women haven't gotten "a case o' the vay-puhs" (vapors) since "the woe-uh" (war). But we still have our conversational eccentricities--a whole passel of 'em.

Generally speaking, Southerners don't like rough edges. In rural Alabama, where I grew up, we often sand off the final "g" or "d" so that words can dovetail: "We were walkin' to the store when it went to thunderin' an' lightnin' and rainin' like nobody's business." (Aside: "Went to" means "started" and "like nobody's business" means "a whole lot.")

That aversion to rough edges is the reason why it can take us forever to get to the point. We like to talk our way around a situation in case there might be any unpleasantness to sidestep. And because so many of us are reluctant to be direct, we often opt, instead, for the vague and the colorful:

That boy's all hat an' no cattle.
Translation: He's all style and no substance, all talk and no action.

When the situation calls for it, we'll make up a word to get the job done. The most common example is, of course, "y'all," but there's a better one: "Mama'n'em." It's short for Mama And Them, and it refers to your mother and her extended family. "How's your Mama'n'em?" means "How is your mother and everybody she cares about?" We anchor the question to Mama because, in the South, Mama rules. Also, this expression implies a certain level of familiarity and affection; the person asking about Mama'n'em knows Mama'n'em--and knows them well. If they didn't, they would ask, "How is your family?"

Language can be the most interesting part of a character's wardrobe, I think, because it's so personal. Sometimes, how we talk reveals more than what we actually say.

Long story short: The thing I feared most as a writer has become the thing I love best.

By the way, how's your Mama'n'em?

-- Valerie Fraser Luesse

Say hello: vluessebooks@gmail.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

** AUTHORBUZZ **

WICKED FORCE (Fiction) by Sawyer Bennett

From the minute I first wrote about Kynan McGrath, I knew readers would want more of the devilishly handsome, dirty-talking Brit. Now it's time for Kynan's story, and it all starts with a woman. Joslyn Meyers is in need of protection, and Kynan is just the man to keep the up-and-coming superstar safe. But while he's protecting her life, he faces a whole new danger. Losing his heart.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on WICKED FORCE to read more and to email author Sawyer Bennett, you'll get a reply.

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT, by Sally Roesch Wagner, with an introduction by Gloria Steinem. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading today and enter for your chance to win.

Dear Reader Column 03-12-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Every other month I feature a Penguin Classics. I love sampling the Classic because it gives me the chance to read a book I may have missed. January's book, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, was a real hit with readers.

Be sure to sample this month's Penguin Classic, The Women's Suffrage Movement by Sally Roesch Wagner, with an introduction by Gloria Steinem.

Click here to sample the read and enter to win a free copy of the book.

Emails from readers about The Prophet...

"This month's selection holds sentimental value for me. This was one of my mom's favorite books when I was growing up. She would often read to me from it and share her thoughts on different passages. I've never read it from cover to cover, amazingly. My mom passed away a few years ago, and I don't know what happened to her well-worn and loved copy of this book. This is a great nudge to finally read the book she loved so much!" -- Jennifer

"My best friend told me about this book years ago and read to me, when she found a particularly interesting passage she wanted to share with me. I never did read the book cover to cover and now my friend and I no longer keep in touch. Every excerpt she read to me was very inspiring and would love to read it fully. Who knows, it may even give me a great reason to reconnect with an old friend!" -- Barb

"I am a 77-year old grandmother, mother of two and grandmother of six: On the 16th birthday of each, I gave to them Kahlil Gibran's, The Prophet. His words of wisdom have given me literary insight and inspiration and guided me through times of joy and times of sorrow. I do not find a literary generational gap in The Prophet, I look forward to the first great-grandchild...and another generation to the ties that bind." -- Shirley

"I had always heard about The Prophet, but had never read it--that is, until I just read the excerpt on your Classics email. I love the writing, and it sounds so inspirational." -- Paula

"I always enjoy reading your column, and when I read about this month's Penguin Classics book, it felt like a serendipitous moment. In reading some of the excerpt of The Prophet, I feel connected to the writing, and know I need to put this title on my short list for reading! Thanks for all you do." -- Eliana

"I've always heard about The Prophet and feel that I know its contents. But, no, I've never actually held this book in my hand! I think new books are wonderful, but I never want to lose sight of the great classics! Thank you for this opportunity!" -- Laurie

Sample this month's Penguin Classic, The Women's Suffrage Movement by Sally Roesch Wagner, with an introduction by Gloria Steinem. Click here to sample the read and enter to win a free copy of the book.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

** AUTHORBUZZ **

ALL STARS FALL (Fiction) by Rachel Van Dyken

After a horribly public divorce, rockstar Travis Wood goes to Seaside with his family, he not only needs to get away from the press but he's trying to do what's best for his kids. The only problem? He's in way over his head. Between gum in hair, Lego mining fields and burnt dinner, he's ready to lose it. He begs the first woman who knows how to get gum out of hair to be his nanny and the rest is history. Except, she's gorgeous, and perfect, and treats his kids like the gold they are. He swore he'd never fall again, and now this time, it seems he's about to fall harder.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on ALL STARS FALL to read more and to email author Rachel Van Dyken, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 03-11-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for all of the 20 year birthday wishes for the Online Book Club..

Reader Emails:

"I think I have been a club member for four or five years. I thank you for introducing me to many new authors and great books. As a retired school library media specialist, I am, in retirement, catching up on the world of grown-up reading. And I won the weekly giveaway book once, so that is my favorite moment of membership. But your daily letters are the very best part of my inbox!" -- Georgann J.

"I subscribed our library to your book clubs almost as soon as you began, or whenever you sent out your initial mailing to libraries. I have loved it ever since and feel like you are almost a lifelong friend! And I did win a batch of your wonderful cookies one time a few years ago. Delicious! Thank you for everything you do for libraries and readers." -- Karen H.

"I think I was one of your earliest readers! It was a perfect fit then (I had a new baby and a full time job and desperately wanted to keep up with my reading) and it's still a great fit now. Even though I'm retired now, more than ever I want to find great books to read, so sampling is the way to go. The idea of 'read before you buy or invest lots of time' is just as appealing today as it was 20 years ago!" -- Debbie S.

"I am one of your most devoted foreign readers. It was during my first visit to USA in October-November 1999... Our group of nine entrepreneurs from Moscow, Russia came to Tulsa (OK) to learn from business experience at different enterprises. During our stay we've been hosted by two families. I became and still stay good friends with both of my hosting families. One of them introduced me to your Book Club. Since that time I read regularly the books and your columns, several times I've ordered/bought some business books that I started to read at the club. I've participated at one of the writing contests, successfully tried several of your recipes and own first edition of your book 'Muffins and Mayhem,' voted for your grandson be named Paul and cited your stories at many parties with my Russian friends. I haven't won your cookies yet, but I hope that once I will. Reading with you and OUR BOOK CLUB is big fun and thank you very much for making our (readers) life brighter! -- Nikolay R., Moscow, Russia

"I've been a member for years. The book club is my first cup of coffee habit. I love all the life reflections, funny stories, cookie and decoration giveaways. I always email guests to say hello. Recipes are an added bonus. I want to see the bubble machine. In other words. Everything about the book club, I LOVE!" -- Angie P.

More happy winners of birthday giveaways:

Signed copies of Muffins & Mayhem: Judy K. and Colleen J.

Books from my bookshelf: Lissa S., Karen S., Lorinda A., Anitra R., Markenna P., Jailynn D., Linda H., Betty Jo C., Millie J., Kathy C., Terri S., Heidi D., Frankie H., Roben C., Anne M., Patricia R., Jane R., Joan B., Heather J. and Joanne H.

The Surprise birthday gift: Micaela A.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

** AUTHORBUZZ **

THE DARKEST CAPTIVE (Paranormal) by Gena Showalter

Welcome to the sizzling hot paranormal romance series, Lords of the Underworld, where demon possessed warriors are actually the heroes. I've redone the myth about Pandora's Box to prove men opened the fabled container for violence, pain, death, and much more! These ultra bad boys are ice cold AND fiery hot. Always irreverent, sometimes charming, they aren't afraid to get their hands bloody. Every book stands alone, and every immortal melts for his one and only true love.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on THE DARKEST CAPTIVE to read more and to email author Gena Showalter, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 03-08-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader.

It's been quite a party--today's the last day. For the past two weeks we've been celebrating the Online Book Club's 20th Birthday!

We've been looking back at some favorites from the past 20 years and of course I've been giving away presents--what's a birthday without presents? Every day there's been a reader giveaway. BINGO games, a bubble machine, baby clothes, vintage aprons, birthday party decorations, wooden shoes from Holland, books and more books. If you haven't joined the party and entered to win, today's the day. To enter today's Surprise Birthday Gift Giveaway, click here.

Once a month I bake chocolate chip cookies for readers and over the past 20 years I've done a lot of chocolate chip cookie baking. Last week I asked readers to guess how many chocolate chip cookies I've baked for readers and publishers over the past 20 years. Drum roll please...and the winner is...Juanita B.

Juanita's guess was 8,649 cookies. Our estimate was 9,688! That's roughly 2,422 batches of cookies that readers and publishers have dunked and munched!

Sharon R., came in a close second. Her guess was 8,640. So I'll be baking for Juanita and Sharon this weekend. And I've decided to bake a special batch of chocolate chip cookies for Jan (another reader at the book club), who sent me a hilarious email about my cookbook column.

Jan wrote...

"Suzanne, Monday your wrote, 'Is there a cookbook genre or are they considered nonfiction books? Maybe a genre within a genre? It depends on the person you ask.'

"Well, in my house, my cookbooks are shelved among my fantasy book collection, for when I cook anything that is more complex than opening a can or box, it's as rare as sighting a unicorn."

Be on the lookout Jan, because a 'not out of the box or can' "unicorn" that smells like chocolate chip cookies will be on your doorstep soon.

To enter today's Surprise Birthday Gift Giveaway, click here.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 03-07-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Happy 20th Birthday to the Online Book Club! Today I'm looking back to 2010...

It took a village to help this girl write a book, but in 2010, yes indeed, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life was published by Simon & Schuster. Frequently I'm asked, "How do I get a book published?" Even my mailman asked if he could leave his manuscript in my mailbox. Could I read it and give him feedback? I must admit, even though I'd been writing a daily column since 1999, when I decided to write a book, I too, didn't really know where to begin.

But a village of friends showed up to help.

My book was dedicated to my loving husband. "Bob, I'm one lucky woman. The longer we're married, the more in love I am with you."

"How can I make the transition from being a daily columnist for 10 years to book author?" Because in the beginning, when I sat down to start writing my book, I'd end up writing a column instead. "You can do it, not to worry, and I'll help you. Here's my number, call me." Thank you Sully (author Thomas Sullivan), for the long distance tutoring.

The message on my friend Linda's answering machine says, "Leave a message. It may take a day or two, but I'll call you back." Linda understands the flow of life. Our bench-sitting kept my heart where it needed to be in order to write.

My friend, author Blaize Clement, assured me that when you're writing a book, the end just kind of sneaks up on you. Suddenly one day when you finish writing a sentence, you realize you're at the end, yet the day before you didn't have a clue.

Bill Duncan (newspaper columnist, author), sent an email in the early years, telling me how much he loved my daily column. In fact, he 'enjoyed it so much, could I please write a column on the weekend, too'?

Author Jessica Keener knows how impatient writers can be, since she's a writer, too. She read my first drafts--in a hurry.

When there's joy in my life, there's joy in my writing. The readers and librarians who read at the book club and everyone on the book club staff were a daily inspiration, especially my writing muse, Valerie Farman, a woman who sees me at my worst and envisions my best.

It was a picture-perfect meeting at Simon & Schuster. "I love your voice," my editor Sulay Hernandez, fell in love with my book.

And then there's the person who sells your book and makes it all happen along the way.

Small-town girl meets big-city agent. She learns about the business of writing and selling a book, and also makes a kind and patient friend in the process.

"I don't know what I'm doing."
And he would ask, "Are you still writing?"
"Yes, Dan, I'm still writing."
"Then everything is fine, Suzanne."

And my agent, Dan Conway, was right. Everything turned out just fine.

Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life is filled with candid, thought-provoking reflections on my life. The joyful times, lessons I learned, and the challenges that I feared I would never overcome--but I did.

Today's Birthday Giveaway--I have two signed copies of my book. To see photos and read about the day my book was finally delivered to me, and enter to win a signed copy, click here.

Thanks for reading with me...for the past 20 years. It's so good to read with friends.

Gratefully,

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(Fiction)
HUNKY HEARTBREAKER by Kendall Ryan

(Fiction)
SOARING WITH FALLON by Kristen Proby

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 03-06-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Happy 20th Birthday to the Online Book Club!

Choices, choices, choices. I love to offer people a lot of variety. Whenever I invite family and friends over for dinner, my husband (who always takes such good care of me) will say, "Now don't work too hard, Suzanne, you don't need to fix so many different dishes."

Yes, it does take extra work to cook up a variety of recipes, and I could stick with one main course, a fresh vegetable, salad and dessert. But a buffet table with dish after dish to choose from, a little bit of this, and a spoonful of that, if my guests try everything they're guaranteed to find something new. To discover a new favorite.

Variety every day, a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, has been my favorite recipe for the daily book club, too:

* A new book to sample every week (you've sampled 9,204 books if you've been reading with me since the beginning)

* AuthorBuzz (introduces you to new authors every week along with book giveaways)

* Sample a Penguin Classics, and enter win a copy of the book

* Once a week, I invite a guest author/columnist who loves to answer reader mail. This past Tuesday, Mesu Andrews was my 529th guest author

* Book giveaways

* The Annual Write a DearReader Contest

* A monthly homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway

* My daily Dear Reader column including some crazy-wacky giveaways

Yes, the daily read is a guilt-free reading buffet for you to pick and choose your favorites. If you've never entered one of my giveaways, you really should. It's a lot of fun and someone always wins.

Look at who's won some of my 20th Birthday Party giveaways so far...

BINGO game: Meghan M.

Birthday Party Supplies: Donna E.

Garage Sale "Find," a pair of wooden shoes made in Holland: Dori K.

Bubble Machine: Emily C.

Baby Bodysuits: Betsy B.

Vintage aprons: LueAnn L. and Aaron P.

Apron book with pattern: Cecile F.

So go ahead and enter...today I'm giving away 20 books from my bookshelf to celebrate 20 years! To enter the drawing, click here.

* And congratulations to the winners of Hope in the Hard Places by Guest Author Sarah Beckman: Kay M., Jessica A., Sheri R., Ada D., and Diane S.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 03-05-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Author Mesu Andrews is joining the book club's birthday party this week. Giving readers the opportunity to "meet" and correspond with guest authors has become a popular addition to the book club. Mesu is the 529th guest author to visit the book club.

If you've never emailed a featured guest author, feel free to send a note. Authors are inspired when they hear from readers.

Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah's Daughter and numerous other novels, including The Pharaoh's Daughter, Miriam, and Love Amid the Ashes. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren. Her new book is Of Fire and Lions Mesu is giving away a copy to a lucky reader. To enter the drawing and to say hello, email: mesu@mesuandrews.com

A big thank you to Mesu Andrews for being part of our birthday celebration!

Empty Nest to Tree Trunk

Hubby and I married young and two daughters were born in three years. As with most twenty-somethings we thought our life plan was fool-proof. Thirties and forties, we'd raise our girls and kick them out of the nest. Fifties and sixties, we'd work hard and earn lots of money. Any years beyond sixty, we'd live in a warm climate, enjoy the family, and spend the money.

Was that plan fool proof--or proof we were fools?

Thirties were a breeze. It was in our forties when things turned south. Preparations for empty-nest were disrupted when 'boomerang fever' infected both daughters and they returned home after college--one single and the other with her husband--to live in our nest for short periods of time.

When we reached fifty, the boomerang daughter with the husband circled back a second time and brought their two children. To our surprise, instead of feeling put out or overburdened, we loved it! Thrived even. They lived in our basement suite for nine months until our son-in-love found a job in the area and they bought a house. We grieved their loss for almost a year--even though they lived only thirty minutes away.

When they sold that house, guess what? Yep! They moved back in with us while deciding whether to build a new home or find something closer to the school-of-choice in a nearby town. It was during this stay that Hubby and I made an off-handed jest: "You know, when we're old and gray, we're coming to live in 'your' basement."

Our kids' reply was more than serious. "We were hoping you'd come live with us now." They'd been discussing it for several weeks, but they knew we loved our cabin in the woods and assumed we'd never want to move.

Enter my husband's unexpected job change two months later. Salary cut in half. No benefits. And contrary to all those Richard Castle episodes, most writers are 'not' wealthy.

Our kids began looking for a house with a basement that had either an "in-law suite" or an unfinished basement. Long story short--our cabin in the woods is for sale, and our newly-designed in-law suite should be finished by June 1st. We're moving from an empty nest to our kids'--well, tree trunk. Not according to plan, but a sweet future with kids and grandkids we adore.

What about you? Do you see the benefits of multi-generational living? Could you share a house with your adult kids and/or your parents?

--Mesu Andrews

Let Mesu know what you think about multi-generational living and when you do, you'll be entered in a drawing for a copy of her new book, Of Fire and Lions. Email: mesu@mesuandrews.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

** AUTHORBUZZ **

SOARING WITH FALLON (Fiction) by Kristen Proby

Some of us are born raised where our souls are meant to be. And some of us have to search for where we fit in. I loved writing both of these dynamics for these characters. Noah King has deep roots set in Cunningham Falls, Montana. He's never questioned his place in the community, and is surrounded by a large, loving family. Fallon McCarthy, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. She grew up in Chicago, raised by her grandmother, and has been moving around the country, trying to find where she fit in. And finally, in Montana, she's found home.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on SOARING WITH FALLON to read more and to email author Kristen Proby, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 03-04-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Wow! It's been 20 years! Happy Birthday to the original Online Book Club. It's a party at the book club and I'm strolling down memory lane today, taking a look back at one of the most popular contests I've featured at the book club. And yes, it was for real.

My column from September 2006...

Will you help me name the baby?

Save the congratulations, it's not mine. Don't plan any book club baby showers. I've raised four children and at this point in my life it would be a cruel joke if...well let's not even finish the sentence.

But my son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first child in January and they're finding parenthood a bit of a challenge right from the get-go. A baby boy is on the way, and they can't agree on a name--and believe me they've tried.

Last Sunday the soon-to-be parents even tried to convince their minister to poll the congregation. All those in favor of Paul, say "Amen," all those in favor of Owen, stand up and yell, "Hallelujah." The minister wisely side-stepped their request, but he did vote for his personal favorite.

I'm afraid to go anywhere with them anymore. It's getting a little embarrassing. Last week when we were in a restaurant I had to stop my son from tapping the water glass and announcing "Attention please. Would everyone put down their fork and listen up? My wife and I are in a disagreement and we desperately need your help. We can't decide what to name our baby..."

Of course I bought them a book. It has over 54,000 names and the cover assured me that, "Naming your baby has never been so easy." But I don't think so. My son and daughter-in-law read the book and they still can't agree on the same name. Naming a baby is complicated. The problem is they like a lot of names, but the ones they agree on like, Michael, David and Patrick, are already taken. How can a name be taken? Well, my daughter-in-law comes from a big family and someone already has those names. And then there's the nickname problem, if they call their son William, the kids will end up calling him Will, or Bill, and if you really wanted a Henry, you might end up with a Hank, too.

The book suggests powerful names for winners such as Sydney and Graham. Want a doctor in the family? Name your child Suzanne or Peter. Trying to nurture a future lawyer, try the names Rachel or Quinn. Great names to grow up with are Samantha and Brian. (The names of two of my own children.) And Brian and Samantha were great yelling names too--another thing you need to consider when you're naming the baby. "Brian Tadd Beecher get in this house right now!" "Samantha Dawn Beecher I told you if you do that one more time...!" See how easily they roll off your tongue. They were great names to insert at the beginning of a get-in-here-or-else warning.

Will you help my son and daughter-in-law name their baby?

They've asked me to poll the book club readers. You get to pick the name. I'm not kidding. Whichever name gets the most votes, that will be my new grandson's name. Send me your choice today..

Gotta go, it's time to cast my vote!

Thousands of readers did cast their votes, and Paul Robert Beecher was the winning name. Paul Robert Beecher is now 12 years old.

A 20th birthday party wouldn't be complete without gifts, so keeping with the theme of today's memory, I have a 2-pack of Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Bodysuits to give away. To enter and see photos of Paul over the years, click here.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

** AUTHORBUZZ **

HUNKY HEARTBREAKER (Fiction) by Kendall Ryan

I'm delighted to share this little treat with you. Whether reading, or writing, I love a fiery, strong heroine, and that's exactly what you'll get in Hunky Heartbreaker. It's a story of opposites attract and what happens when you follow your heart--even when it leads you to a tiny town in the middle of Texas with the hottest whiskey distillery owner you've ever seen. I had a blast writing this one, and I hope you love it too.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on HUNKY HEARTBREAKER to read more and to email author Kendall Ryan, you'll get a reply.