Dear Friends,

I owe you an apology. It’s been a long time since I put out a newsletter.

I’ll admit, I’ve had a tough year with many personal challenges, the primary one being my ninety-year-old father’s decline. I’ve had to make many long drives or frazzled flights to be with him as he makes his last journey—in fact, I’m flying up there this week for a quick, unplanned visit. I never know when I have to drop everything to deal with new challenges; my phone is glued to my hand as I’m the one coordinating everything with his various caregivers and nurses as every new challenge arises. I know so many of you have gone through this or are going through it, too, and that you understand how elder care can consume your life, 24/7. And that you never feel certain that you’re doing the right thing, even though you know you’re trying your best.

And then, we also had a family celebration with my son’s wedding in October! That was a happy day, pure joy. A much-needed oasis of contentment.

I’ve also started work on a new novel, which is good news! Although it’s difficult with the other challenges. But I’m making good progress, and while it will be several months before I can share all the details, I can’t wait to do so.

With all this, you know what? I need a little Christmas. Right this very minute. So even before Thanksgiving, we were decking the halls. We’re not going to have family here this year—we’re going to be with my father—so nobody will be appreciating all the festivity, except for my husband and me. And that’s enough. It’s good to do things just for yourself now and then, isn’t it?

Ignore the bubble wrap around the fireplace; we’re waiting for a new insert to be delivered. I’ll be posting more photos as the season progresses, so don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

The paperback of The Children's Blizzard will be out in January, so stay tuned for lots of book club goodies and promotions. Be on the lookout in the New Year for an updated book club kit, giveaways, and just maybe… a chance for me to join your book club. I’ll have more to share in the coming weeks!

If you really, really have missed me this year, don’t forget you can listen to me every other week on the podcast I do with my good friend and fellow author, Edward Kelsey Moore. You can subscribe to Who the Hell Are We? wherever you get your podcasts, or by clicking here!

I promise I won’t stay away this long again! But life, man, it comes at you pretty fast, doesn’t it? (To quote Ferris Bueller.) Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the holidays!

Love, 

Melanie

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