This weekend is Mother’s Day, not my favorite holiday. In the past I always felt torn on this day because I lived far from my mom and could not always get away to spend the day with her. Now, my mom is gone and we will never share another Mother’s Day, although she’s in my heart. Ironically, my daughter recently moved across the country with her new husband so I will not see her on Mother’s Day either, and that makes me sad. Which leads me to my next quote: Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing. Ricki Lake got that right. Raising children is not easy, yet it’s full of joy, and letting them go is difficult. Many people have told me I’ve done a good job as a mother to have raised a child with sturdy wings, capable of living her own life. We Facetime often, share recipes, gossip, and watch our favorite TV shows together, tethered by iPhones. But it’s not the same. If you’re a mother I’m sure you understand. My plans to visit her are on hold because of the virus, but as soon as it feels safe to travel I’ll be on my way and we’ll have a week’s worth of Mother’s Days. I wish you a happy Mother’s Day!

My Book Sale & Giveaway

If you’ve read any of my books you might have surmised that strong mothers are at the heart of my stories. Resilient, independent women like my mom, who lost her husband at age 48 and raised four children on her own at a time when few women were single mothers. We endured many difficult times but Mom held us together, even at her own expense. As a tribute to Mom and all the mothers out there struggling to care for their families during these troubling times, I’m offering all of my stories with strong mothers at their core for free or on sale. This includes Sara in Blue Hydrangeas, who endured the loss of her 16-year old daughter; Devon in Swim Season, who served our nation after 911 as an Army nurse caring for our soldiers; Ino, the loving Italian mother in Ino’s Love who shares her gifts with a mother facing challenges raising her own children; and the she-bear of a mother Meg in the Daisy Hunter stories, rearing a large brood with not enough money and lots of love. You can pick up Blue Hydrangeas on a Kindle Countdown Deal at .99 starting May 9; Swim Season, also a Countdown Deal at .99 starting May 9, and the three short stories Ino’s Love, Collection, and Birthday Party for free on Book Funnel. Act now! These deals won’t last for long. Please share with your friends and family.