In memory of a Suzanne Simmons Guntrum

Suzanne Simmons Guntrum passed away December 28 following a massive heart attack. She was a dear friend. Multipublished writer. Woman of wit, warmth and wisdom.

You will be missed, Sue, by all who were blessed to know you.

Janet

Merry Christmas!

Is your Christmas celebration like ours, spent with those you love, overeating, not getting enough sleep, cramming each minute with activity, leaving only a small amount of time to remember the greatest gift of all, that precious baby Jesus, our Saviour, born to us so long ago? My husband reads the story in Luke and Matthew. The little ones tell their version. We bake an angel food cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Some years our grandchildren put on a pageant of sorts, more hilarious than reverent. Our time together passes quickly and I'm filled with regret that we didn't spend more time focusing on the reason for this holy season. My only comfort is that Jesus is not a once-a-year Saviour. While I'm restoring order, I thank God for His plan, for His love, vowing to do a better job honoring Him next year. If you have some tips on ways to keep the focus on Jesus, please share.

Praising God for his unconditional love and wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Janet

Courting Miss Adelaide winner

Melissa has won a copy of Courting Miss Adelaide for her response to the Cherry Hill newsletter article. Congratulations!

Blessings, Janet

I'm thrilled to have sold a third book: One Wife: Sealed and Delivered (working title) to Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. This book will be set in fictitious New Harmony, Iowa with new characters to torture. :-)

Blessings, Janet

Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award nominee

I'm thrilled and grateful that my debut novel Courting Miss Adelaide has been selected as a nominee for the 2008 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award! I read and loved all the books of my fellow nominees!

Here's the list of nominees for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical:

COURTING MISS ADELAIDE Janet Dean (Sep.)

THE ROAD TO LOVE Linda Ford (May)

HIGH COUNTRY BRIDE Jillian Hart (Jul.)

LEGACY OF SECRETS Sara Mitchell (Apr.)

SEASIDE CINDERELLA Anna Schmidt (Jul.)

Romantic Times gave Courting Miss Adelaide a 4 and 1/2 star review in the September issue.

Blessings, Janet

SIX STRATEGIES FOR WRITING THE HEA ENDING

I'm in Seekerville today www.seekerville.com talking about six strategies to write a satisfying, happily-ever-after ending for your novels. Stop over and say hello.

Blessings, Janet