The first book in a brand new Benedict Brothers family series, INVINCIBLE, is in stores now. Some of you met the Benedicts in OUTCAST. Who knew that Foster Benedict had a younger brother, Bull? Or that banking heir Bull Benedict would marry Bella, the modern-day Duchess of Blackthorne!

I’m so enjoying writing this series, which features the (dying) Duchess of Blackthorne matchmaking for her four sons and daughter. Fabulous jewels–rubies, pearls, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds–each bearing a legend–assist the Duchess in her quest to help her children find true love. INVINCIBLE features the priceless Blackthorne Rubies, a gift to the first Duke of Blackthorne from Henry II for saving his life in a battle for the throne of England.

And speaking of England, I was there on a research trip this past June. Did a lot of sight seeing all the time visualizing events and scenes for upcoming books featuring the British branch of the Benedict family. For instance, here’s the castle I imagine belonging to the Duchess of Blackthorne. My research involved taking pictures (I had nearly 300 on my digital camera) of Berkeley Square, where my Dukes of Blackthorne have a home, and Grosvenor Square (which is the location of the American Embassy in Britain). See some on my Photo Album page!

As many of you know, I play tennis and my game has greatly improved since I began playing in a tennis league several years ago. Since competitive tennis plays an integral part in my new book, I spent some time at Wimbledon. Again, I took lots of pictures so that when I’m at my desk I can “see” it all. My own playing helps me to understand the game when at Wimbledon but when it comes to the numerous aches and pains associated with tennis, no visualization required!

After England, I flew directly to New York to watch Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display from a schooner on the Hudson River.

While in New York, I attended Thrillerfest and, later in the month, Romance Writers of America’s annual conference in Orlando. Now, however, I’ve been at my desk for some time and am just writing the last pages of the next book in the Benedict Brothers family series, UNFORGETTABLE, Lydia’s story. The Ghost of Ali Pasha—a fabulous pearl necklace belonging to the Duchess of Blackthorne that Lydia borrowed from her mother without permission—is stolen and Lydia must find it—with the help of an ex-Delta army sergeant named Joe, who’s incognito as a private investigator.

Fans of my popular Bitter Creek Series will be pleased to know the I’ve signed a contract with Ballantine Bantam Dell to write a series of historical westerns called the Mail Order Brides. Four sisters marry historical characters who are forebears of characters in my contemporary Bitter Creek series (both Blackthorne and Creed) and men related to characters from my previous historical novels. So while I only write one book at a time, I’m always thinking in my head.

Don’t forget to sign up for my monthly book drawing for autographed books. Then there’s my e-newsletter list or for a snail mail postcard to remind you when there’s a new book coming.

Thank you for all your wonderful letters and emails. Your support and loyalty over all the years means a great deal to me.

Happy reading,

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