COUNTING DOWN AND PACKING UP

Counting Down and Packing Up

The calendar says summer begins in mid-June.  But really, summer begins in just one week--May 19th.  Well, okay, at least for me it does.  

That's the day THE SUMMER'S END lands on store shelves! I'm excited to finally be able to share the third installment of the Lowcountry Summer Trilogy with you.  

In THE SUMMER'S END, I take you back to the charming seaside town of Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, where Mamaw is bracing to sell her beloved family estate, Sea Breeze.  It’s an emotional season as Mamaw and her "summer girls"--granddaughters Eudora, Carson, and Harper--face loss and struggle to find a fresh start in life.  Harper, the youngest sister, who lived under the narcissistic abuse of her wealthy and influential mother, has no home or career after breaking free of her mother’s tyranny.  And she finds herself needing courage to release her insecurities, recognize her strengths and accept love fully to save her family and her future. 

Here's a little sneak peek of THE SUMMER'S END.  Read excerpt now.


You can pre-order your copy today at from your favorite local bookstore, or order here.  

For anyone who has pre-ordered, make sure to enter my weekly Summer's End Giveaway on my Facebook page. Prizes every Tuesday! To enter, just type in your purchase confirmation number in the comment box of the contest post.  

I'm also delighted to share this new video with you, a short conversation about THE SUMMER'S END at my house with my assistant, Angela. Click here to watch video.

Meantime, I've been busy writing another book, doing media interviews, preparing for my book talks, and packing for the tour. My sister Ruthie will be my road warrior again for this 33-city book tour. Am I coming to a place near you?  View book tour schedule now.

Join me at an event.  We'll have a great time!  And, if you live within driving distance of Charleston, South Carolina... come celebrate the official book launch party for THE SUMMER'S END at the South Carolina Aquarium on Monday, May 18th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  I can't think of a more beautiful setting for a book party with wine, food, live island music, and most importantly, friends.  View invitation here.

I'm eager to connect with everyone on book tour again.  But I admit, I feel overwhelmed at times juggling so many things at once.  We all do. Recently I was reminded to slow down by blogger Angie Mizzell with these words on her recent blog post:   

"Be present. Grab moments. Two things that deserve top position on my to-do list every day."                                                                         --Angie Mizzell

Slowing down when life is extremely busy sounds counter-intuitive but it's exactly what we need.  Many of us carry overloaded plates with work demands, home life, family needs, graduations, events and an endless list of other commitments.  But I hope you'll heed Angie's advice to "grab moments".  For me, it's working in my garden for a half-hour, or taking the dog for a quick walk on the beach.  Re-connecting with nature refocuses my mind and restores my energy to press onward with enthusiasm. I hope it does the same for your soul.   

How do you "grab moments" for yourself during your hectic days? 

I look forward to seeing you on book tour!