SquawkRadio Comments

Well, Susan, I got tears in my eyes reading your blog for the first time.  I had no idea Harper had picked up the blog to use as a press release!  That’s wonderful news! But you should still claim all of the credit for writing such a delightful book to begin with

And I just heard the amazing news that NATURAL BORN CHARMER was #3 on the New York Times!  That’s an incredible feat for a hardcover

Welcome dear SEP!! What a treat to get you here in time for carnival. Thanks Squawkers!

I have a question for SEP: I’ve loved every single one of your books since I picked up This Heart of Mine two years ago. I love how you turn unlikely heroes and heroines into characters that are all but jumping off the pages because they’re so believable. My most recent SEP find was an unforgettable novel about an unwilling bride taken to live in a circus (yes, only SEP would go there and make a success of it) - there is one novel though, that - quite frankly - made me cringe. Maybe I should’ve switched genre gears before I read it, but Honey Moon...well, the ickyness factor didn’t leave me for days after reading scenes where basically the heroine gets it on with her father figure and the feelings are pretty much the same from the “dad” in question. Do you feel that book is in a category all its own?
That said, thank you, thank you THANK YOU for all the wonderful hours of enjoyment you’ve given legions of fans. MMIYC was awesome and I can’t wait to buy NBCharmer.
Gaia

Welcome Susan!!!

I am a huge fan, own all your books and pimp them out whenever I can.

Unfortunately I missed you in Raleigh this month.  I had been planning on attending for over a month.  My mother, a girlfriend and I were going to Raleigh for lunch and then your book sighning.  But a few days before a wonderful young man (20) who was very close to my kids and my husband and I committed suicide.  The services were that Friday and Saturday.

I was lucky enough to meet you and have a photo taken with you in Atlanta this past summer.  You are gracious and approachable to your fans.

Thank you for bringing such wonderful characters and stories to life.  I reread quite a few of your books annually.  I never tire of them.

My word men42 - I wish.

Hi Miz Susan!

I must ask, where DID you get that beeyoutiful Tiara you’re wearing in that pic there

Congratulations on the success of NATURAL BORN CHARMER. After meeting Dean Robillard in MMIYC, it was so very difficult to wait for his story. You did not dissappoint!

Where do you go from here!

Susan, it was Teresa’s blog that introduced me to your books and I’m hooked.  This is why I love Squawk - I learn about so many other authors I’d never have probably read or heard of.  Your books are wonderful!  I’m a public library borrower (saving $ to buy a house this year) and I was thrilled to find most of your books.  Thanks (in advance) for the next few weeks of good reading!

Hi Susan! Welcome back to Squawk! I hope the fact that you have two blogs in your pocket means that you’ll be back!

I believe deeply in putting “good” karma out in the world. I work in a profession where I am called upon pretty often to be flexible in my plans. I almost always find that putting that good karma out there will sooner or later have it revisited back to me.  So, while it’s not done completely altruistically, I do find that doing good brings good back to you.

Hi Susan!  I was fortunate enough to attend the Newport News, VA book signing and get an autographed copy of NBC.  I had such a great time - you were so fun and charming!
I’ve just started NBC; I plan to read it slowly to enjoy every word.

Hi Susan.  I love your work!  I was just wondering how you always seem to find the right pairings for your heroes by way of heroines.  First question - how early do you know what your heroine’s character is because we’re usually introduced to the hero (at least for your recent series) in the previous book?  I also noticed that the heroine is usually on the “plain Jane” side with a lot of wit and spunk.  Is it because the “heroes” are constantly surrounded by beautiful women and is it a stereotype to assume that their beauty is literally only “skin-deep” or do you find that your fans tend to relate more to the “everyday gal?” Or is it simply a matter of “opposites attract better” for those “all-out sexy as hell alpha heroes” of yours, LOL!  Lastly, how much inspiration do you draw from real-life for those star-athletes of yours (does Peyton Manning know he’s kinda hot and could very well be figured in one of your books, heheh!!!)
My all-time fave is “Nobody’s Baby But Mine” and MMIYC comes in at a close second.

Greetings Susan!  Congrats on reaching #3!  That is absolutely amazing.

It’s hard for me to write about what I may have done for someone else without expecting a personal gain from it.  I can tell you about what I’ve seen as selfless acts by folks right here on the Squawk.

I’ve found writers to be very generous in giving advice and support to aspiring writers...potential competitors, if you will.  I was at a conference once and a NYT bestseller was talking to me about a problem she was having with her WIP.  Asking me!  I didn’t even have 1/3 of a book done by that time.

Hi Susan!  Nice crown

(Did you swipe that off the tooth fairy?)

Congratualtions on your NYT showing, NBC is a wonderful book. I so enjoy the way you create whole communities in your books as well as a great romance.

In response to the blog --- Santa took the words right out of my mouth.  One of the reasons why I love this blog and Eloisa’s BB is the wonderful supportive community that it provides regardless of the fact that we really don’t know that much of the other person.  Not too long ago I was going thru a stressful time and in more ways than one the women (and men I presume) here have offered a kind or loving comment to me/others that always seemed to make the day a bit brighter.  So thanks Ladies!!!

Gaia, I loved Honey Moon--it’s unusual to have two male love interests in a romance novel. The relationship with Dash worked for me, maybe because it was what Honey needed at the time.

The development of Honey’s character is what I liked best in the book. Also, the fact the book made me laugh.

Hi Susan!  Congrats on NBC!  I’ve already devoured it and recommended it to everyone I know.

I can’t think of an example of selfless gain on my part.  I know I’ve experienced it, though, countless times.

It’s one of life’s great lessons I try to instill in my kids also.  They were arguing over a pair of favorite gloves last week.  It was 3 minutes before the bus was to pull up and it was going to get ugly.  My son finally said very calmly, “that’s okay, Mom, I have another pair I can wear.” It was a very selfless act because the original gloves actually belonged to him!  I gave him a kiss, said thank you, and told him he could pick dinner that night!  He got a big smile on his face, did not rub it in his sister’s face, and went off to school a happy camper with a lousy pair of gloves.

And you hit on the main reason I love this site and these ladies.  I’ve never before experienced a community or organization that is so willing to toot everyone else’s horn!  They not only tell you that they like a certain author but why.  It helps those that don’t share the same tastes make an informed decision.  I’ve discovered more great authors here - including you!

Susan, I’ve loved your books ever since I “found” you at RWA 2000 in Washington DC and scarfed down both First Lady and Lady be Good! You have an amazing sense of humor, but you never back off from the tough topics, and that combination is dynamite.

If I really try to answer the question you asked in your blog I won’t be able to write for the tears in my eyes. It’s called passing it on, and it happens over and over both when something wonderful comes back to me out of an unexpected and forgotten encounter, but also when it turns out that a terrible or frightening moment in my own past give me exactly the insight or perspective someone else needs in a tough moment down the road. Makes for a rich life, in either case. Good grist for fiction, too!

Adriana

Gaia,
I have to confess that HONEY MOON is one of my all-time SEP favorites.  I loved the heroine’s relationship with both Dash and Eric. 

When I was in my early 20’s, I found “older” men to be wildly attractive (Sean Connery anyone?) so I really responded to that particular fantasy.

Hi Susan,
Congratulations on the wonderful success of NBC.  I’m not at all surprised, it’s brilliant and deserves a lot of praise.

I missed the Naperville signing (evil snow) but I did have the honor of meeting you last April and I have fond memories of what a lovely lady you are.  I still talk about that meeting. 

There are so many things I love about your books and you added even more great topics of discussion with NBC.  I loved reading Dean’s story, especially after meeting him in Match Me.  Not to mention he is quite the yummy hero!

As always, YOU ROCK!

Hi Susan - congrats on all the success you’ve been having, not just with this release but with your career.  I’m sorry I missed the Naperville signing - Josh Bernstein was there in January

I must admit I’ve only read “Ain’t She Sweet?”, but I have “Fancy Pants” in my tbr pile, and I wanted to get all the Chicago Stars books. 

As for karma, I totally believe in it, especially if it’s sincere.  I loved the movie and the book “Pay It Forward”.  I even did a post on it in my blog a long time ago because I’m hoping more people adopt the attitude.  To do something nice isn’t about getting anything in return.  Not for me anyway LOL.  There is a feeling of satisfaction is doing it “just because”.  (As MK can attest, I posted a hottie at my blog today “just because” and she loved it).  But in all seriousness, I try to remember that being nice to someone is not an obligation, but a privilege.  I love sending out cards and giving out little gifts - the kind words I get in return are so rewarding because they tell me I really made their day and it came at a great time - what more could I ask for?  Nothing, because doing it makes me feel pretty damn good.

If anyone has the opportunity to go to one of Susan’s booksignings, you should take it.  I was at your Naperville signing last week.  It was a lot of fun and you have a beautiful family, especially your own little Natural Born Charmer.

I’ll give you a good example of reaping rewards from a selfless act - I’m on the shy side and was hemming and hawing about going to the signing.  My DH, who was on death’s door last Saturday, grabbed his coat and said let’s go!  In deference to his condition I only stayed to hear you speak, but I really enjoyed myself.  Needless to say, he received a lot of very personalized TLC that night and the following day!!!

So, since I didn’t get a chance to say hi and let you know how much I appreciate you - Hi!  Your books are amazing!  Thank you!

Welcome, Susan!  I’m reading NBC right now, and just like your other books, it makes me laugh.  We can all use a chuckle to pick us up.

I believe in passing it on, whether it be a kind word or good deed.  It never fails to come back to you.  I try to teach my children this, especially when they’re sniping at each other. Sometimes, they actually get the message.

Oh, my word verification is look 25--that would be nice, especially right now when I’m not wearing makeup. Ha!

I once saved a two year old from walking out into the street. I broke the heel on my shoe, threw a new purse against the side of the building and nearly stumbled to my own death down a very steep drive way to get to him before the truck speeding towards him did.

Would I do it again? Heck yes! In fact, I’m so grateful to have been at the right place, at the right time.

By the way, we met at the Avon family dinner in Dallas three years ago. Selina introduced us because I was star struck that you were at the next table. You were so gracious even though I probably babbled about how much I love your books!

Big congratulations on #3 NYT! You deserve it!

Mary C.

Just giving a shout out to SEP—her newest book NATURAL BORN CHARMER is such a joy to read!  As for doing a good deed—I always love telling readers about other great books I’ve read. It’s the ibrarian in me I guess<G> left over from my previous life before I became a full-time author. Cathie

Hi Susan!
Congratulations on the success of NBC. I’m a new reader to your work, but had to pick your books up after hearing your workshops on the rwa cds. Looking forward to picking up natural born charmer.

I’m going to be a huge fangirl for a moment… OH MY GOD, SEP’s in the house!  I love, love, love NBC!!! 

About 4 years ago, it was my last day on a job that I loved… the people let me leave at lunchtime, so I’m driving home and suddenly these two horses run out into the roadway.  One goes off to the one side, and the other horse ambles down the street, crosses an intersection, and ends up in this field.  I’m following the horse b/c I’m thinking it’s going to get hit - I live in the city suburbs, so we’re not used to big type of creatures.  I pull my car over a few feet in front of the horse, get out, and get the horse more over to the grassier side.  A woman runs out of her house saying that she’s called the police and says that’s really brave.  I look at her and think: it’s a horse, it’s not going to do anything to me.  Finally, another woman pulls up and she luckily has a dog leash that we tether to the horse, so it doesn’t run away.  But the horse is just munching away, and then the police and owners finally come and get the horse.

My family still likes to call me the horse whisperer.  Ha, ha, ha.

SEP-
NBC #3
Fantastic

I loved the book and as always it was over way to quickly. There are so many elements that make a SEP book a great read and one of those is the secondary romances.  Loved Jack and April and the description of Jack when he first arrives at the Farm is one of the best.

Missed you in Michigan this time around.

Good Deeds:

Several years ago I volunteered for an overnight stay at a rotating homeless shelter for women and children.  That evening a few of us decided to take the twelve or so kids to a movie. As we approached the ticket counter, the theater manager entered the lobby and offered us free passes.  Then, as we stood in line for popcorn, several movie goers – strangers - stepped forward and paid for all of our popcorn and pop.

Even though the good deed was not directed at me personally, the joy I received by watching the generosity of strangers was priceless.

There are people in the world who love to give to others and I am constantly amazed at how many of them are writers. What other industry devotes so much care and concern to nurturing their competition?

Bookbabe
(Rebecca)

Hello Susan!!! I CAN’T WAIT to read NBC . . . I loved “Match Me,” and Dean’s story is going to be such a treat!

I’m not at all surprised by your Gaffney story, dear, because you are one of the NICEST women I’ve ever met.

Good deeds . . . hmmm . . . I always like to let someone in line when there’s a lot of traffic, because I always appreciate it when someone does that for me.

Susan I do love that Tiara!  Gee wonder where you got it??  It looked so natural on you at the WPB signing I couldn’t help but to take that picture.

I loved reading NBC and hated when it came to the end..but I’ll be re-reading it again soon.  Thank you for sharing your talent with your readers and for your tours.  You can bet I won’t miss one if you are in my area..been to two already.

You make it so much fun to go to a signing and having other SEPPIES there just adds to it.

Congrats on #3!  I know it is #1 on my list.

SEP - I actually got to reading your books thru the praise of another author on a blog. In fact, most of the writer blogs I cruise are generous in their recommendation of other authors. I think women in general are givers and many do things without thought to what it might give them back. I was a bone marrow donor a couple of years back and signed up when one of the little girls in my child’s elementary needed a donor. I didn’t match her, but I did match someone else. I guess I tried to put myself in their shoes and would hope that someone would stand up to help in my time of need. Can’t wait to read NBC - love all your other books and your wicked sense of humor!

Hey ladies,

I have to give a huge shot out to SEP I truly loved NBC it was so fresh and of course comedic genious. But my fave part of the book was Reily and Blue. Reily was so sweet and cute she brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. She felt so real  
And Blue well she was such a hard ass and God bless her for it. I loved how she appericated how Dean didn’t want to change her and loved that she was a hard ass. Not many men can say that they like that in a women and that made Dean a winner in my heart. Blue such a pistol it was wonderful. She didn’t put with any BS and it was thrilling to read that. Once again SEP weaves a tale of acceptence, forgiveness and above all love! And I just feel lucky to get to indulge in such fantastic storytelling. SEP please do keep up the outstanding work. Your a treasure of the rarest kind

Warmest,
Anne A.

Susan, you SWEETIE.  But this doesn’t surprise me at all, coming from The Most Generous Writer in the Business.  And obviously what goes around comes around—NBC #3 on the NYT, in hardcover no less!!!!!  I have it but haven’t had a chance to read it.  It’s calling to me.  Somebody told me to read INTERPRETER OF MALADIES, now I ask you, so I’m stuck in that.  But SOON. 
Love the crown.  So you.  So tell us--where do you get your ideas?
WELCOME HOME.  You done good.

Thanks for the warm welcome.  And I’m so glad you like the tiara photo.  A girl can’t have too many of them.  I personally have both the paper variety and the plastic variety. (I know.  Eat your heart out.) Lighthouse Lady took that photo, bless her heart. In answer to some of the questions posted--I like the plain Jane heroine, but also the knockout (Francesca, Sugar Beth, Phoebe, etc.) It really depends on the book.  If the hero is super gorgeous (Bobby Tom Denton, Dean Robillard), it’s natural for me to want to do the Plain Jane heroine.  In regard to paying it foreward--I, too, am a total believer.  A side note--I always find it interesting how hard it is to get women to “brag” about themselves.  That’s why I put a “Brags” section up on my bulletin board.  We’re so much more comfortable praising our children/husbands/friends than we are noting our own accomplishments.  One accomplishment of this board I have to note is the generous spirit.  It all goes back to the authors who established it, and the warm tone they set from the beginning.

Welcome, SEP! and a huge congratulations on NBC hitting #3. Here’s to it going to #1!

I have a question though. Why isn’t Wal-mart carrying NBC? They’ve carried your wonderful, amazing books before.

HI ALL,

Welcome Susan! Like pinkygirl, Teresa’s blog was my first introduction to you and Natural Born Charmer. However, it sounds really good and I can’t wait to read it...but I’ll have to because it is VERY popular at my local library. YUP, I’m a library book junkie...

I love the topic BTW!

orannia

Hi Pat Gaffney!  So glad you popped by to say hello to Susan

OMG!!! Natural Born Charmer was SO good. I was going to buy it, but after Teresa’s post.. I went out and bought it a few days sooner than I would have…

see how all this works? !!! SR is one of the best places on the net. I had one of those moments bc of this site, too. These are some pretty powerful women here!

Hi Susan.  I too found your books through the Squawkers.  I’ve read MMIYC and NBC (loved them!) and will be working through your backlist Now, is this the end of the Chicago Sports series for you? 

I can think of things I’ve done that are nice - since I believe in paying it forward and daily try to “make up there (heaven) come down here” by my actions (some days better than others).  But I can’t think of an example where my action “backfired” into something nice for me . . .

Tell us what you are writing now, please?

Lynn

Hi Susan!  I love your books.  I started reading them after the Squawkers mention MMIYC.  I am going to start on your backlist.  It’s always great to read about a Plain Jane finding love with a wonderful guy. 

As for the karma thing, I do believe in it.  I did a lot of volunteer work with my church youth group and we never meant to get anything from it.  We would help at the mission shelters, help clean yards for people, and raise money in a 30 hour famine.  Not eating for 30 hours is pretty hard.  After our group was really going strong and doing a lot, an anonymous couple donated a couple thousand dollars (I can’t remember the exact amount) to our group so that we could take a group trip.  It was so much fun and we didn’t have to pay for a single thing on the trip except the souviners.  We went to Lancaster, PA to see the Sight and Sound theater play “Ruth.” We had such a wonderful experience. 

A few of us got sick though.  The pastor had bad chest pains, a girl had a bad asthma attack, and I got a very disgusting eye infection.  We had a big prayer session and everything was fine after that.  None of us will ever forget that trip.

Welcome Susan to the Hen House.  It’s wonderful to have you here.

Rebecca, your story brought tears to my eyes. 

I have tried (not always with success) to live by the rules of do a good thing. As Lisa pointed out, let people in front of you in traffic, or help the young couple in front of you at the check-out who are going to have to put things back because they didn’t have enough money with them. Offer to fill a gas tank to someone in need.

But when I was the recipient of that kindness, I was humbled beyond reason.  About 2 years ago, we found ourselves in dire straights.  I told no one for being embarrassed.  One night I locked up the building in which I work and was the first to arrive in the morning.  On my desk was a gift card to a grocery store that bought a great deal for my family.  All the card said was from your guardian angel. I asked discreetly around the offices and everyone was just as surprised as I was.  To this day, I do not know who it was.

Oh, when my daughter turned sixteen, we bought her a princess tiara.....in which she immediatly turned around and attached it to her pirate hat.  She wears it proudly.

Welcome, Susan! We at Squawk already knew about Teresa doing nice things, like ... um ... she ... er ... Well, there’s a lot of nice things she does for us, too! And we do nice things for her, too, which I’m sure she recalls.

I can’t wait to read NATURAL BORN CHARMER! I couldn’t touch it until I finished my book, but now I’m going to squeeze in some reading, by God, and NBC is #1 on the list!

Speaking of lists—CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NYT!!!

I always try to do something nice for someone whenever I go out. Whether it’s letting a car go in front of me, or stopping to let a pedestrian walk across the road (most people just keep going!), or reaching for something on a high shelf for an older person. Small things that may not mean alot, but I hope they in turn do something for someone else.
I can’t wait to read NBC!

Hello!  Just wanted to say that I love your books! I haven’t read Natural Born Charmer yet, but I will.  Loved Dean in Match Me if You Can (although, I have visions of Dean Winchester in my head right now...).

Congrats on your continued success, Susan! You certainly deserve it as you’re one of the most talented writers in the biz and also THE nicest.

Now I need to finish reading these Rita books, so i can start NBC.

Ms Susan…

Congratulations on #3

Love your books...NBC is a hit to the laugh bones and to the heart.

Thanks for writing....keep it up, please.

Susan,

I can’t say that I’ve ever done anything tremendous for anyone.  But, somewhere along the lines I guess I’ve done “random acts of kindness” that have certainly paid off.

About five years ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Of course everything is great now.  But, when I was going through this uncertain time, I found out how many friends I had, and how many people I seemed to impact without ever really realizing it. 

Former students, former student families, family, and my community at large created a “bubble of comfort” around me, for lack of a better phrase.  I’m a religious person but not what I would consider a model, for I’m a very flawed person.  However, during this time, I found out about the power of prayer and friendship.  It’s life changing. 

So, even though I haven’t done large gestures, I guess the little ones add up, because I have reaped the rewards.

By the way, it was during this time that I bought my first romance hardback.  This Heart of Mine was coming out, and I just wasn’t going to die without reading Kevin and Molly’s story.  My guilty pleasure!  I thank God every day that I haven’t missed a book that I wanted to read.

Welcome, Susan!  I just wanted to say I’ve been a big fan for many years, and I *loved* NATURAL BORN CHARMER.  Keep them coming, and I’ll keep reading!

Susan -

A co-worker’s son committed suicide. The devastation she experienced was so deep and sad. It made everyone feel helpless.  I gave her a book by Rosemary Altea called the Eagle and the Rose.  In it was a story about suicide and what happens to you after you pass. It was such a strong, lovely idea. I thought that, with everyone tiptoeing around her (& avoiding) and the fact that many of her more puritanical “friends” thought (and said) he was “going to hell” she may get comfort from different line of thought. 

I accepted another job did not see her until two years later.  She hugged me tightly. Then, she stepped back, lifted her sleeve and showed me a tattoo of a beautiful red rose on her forearm. She found great comfort in the book.  Afterwards, she began counseling and was able to handle his death better than she ever believed possible. While I hoped she would find heart-ease, I did not realize I would find it too. Now, I go with my instincts. I show and tell people of my affections. I try to keep the act of compassion in mind at all times, even in difficult ones.  My relationships are stronger and it has helped me through rough times. 

Deb

Susan, I can’t believe I actually get the chance to tell you how much I love your books “in person”! I’ve gotten so many hours of pleasure from reading and re-reading your books. I think “Match Me If You Can” is my favorite but I haven’t read NBC yet (I bought it recently and am waiting to have a good stretch of time free so I can really enjoy it).

Stacy

Hey Xtina, I do nice things for you all the time!  Like...and, um...okay, I’ll get back to you on this one.

Thanks Susan for answering the questions about your heroines - I loved SugarBeth’s story and the redemption of her character.

Deb - thanks for sharing your experience - I even took note of the book mentioned.  Thanks again

What touching stories!  Wow.

Yay! Susan is here!

I apologize for coming in so late, but I didn’t allow myself to go on the Internet today until I finished my writing assignment for the day, which was to write “I will not write a crappy synopsis” a thousand times. (Long story.)

But welcome to Squawk Radio, Susan! It’s so wonderful to have you. I’m THIS CLOSE to finishing NATURAL BORN CHARMER, which, not surprisingly, I absolutely love. You make me want to pack a bag and head off to Tennessee. 

Now if you all will excuse me, I have a book to finish…

Wow, I should read ahead before posting.  Massive congrats, Susan, on the NYT! You da woman!

Hi Susan,

It’s great to have you in the Hen House!  I LOVE your books, they always manage to make me cry or laugh… sometimes both at once.

The first ever book I read with your name on it was Dream a Little Dream.  Boy did it ever pack a punch.  Since then, I have gotten my local library bring in every book you wrote, so I can read them. (They don’t own that many… maybe 2?)

As for good deeds, I like to be helpful no matter if I get recognized for my effort or not.  The only thing is, I get absolutely uncomfortable when being thanked by receiving anything in return.  I’m the kind of girl that always felt awkward receiving praise or compliments.  A simple: Thanks for your help! is good enough.

Congratulations on making the number 3 spot on NYT.  You are a wonderful, delightful, sensitive, funny writter.  (How’re all those compliments making you feel??)

Hi Susan!  I missed seeing you in Memphis.  I’d been looking forward to it for so long, but I was down with pneumonia that week and hated hated that I couldn’t go.  I started reading your books with Nobody’s Baby But Mine (still a favorite reread along with Kiss An Angel) and had to glom them all after that.  Big gushy fan, here.  Love that you can write southern women with realism.  Not everyone can.  But you are dead on every time.

Anyway - I was hoping to ask a question at the signing, so I’m going to ask it here and hope you get a chance to answer.  Part of the charm of your books, for me, is that the dialogue is witty and fast and intelligent.  I tend to think of the good comebacks about thirty minutes too late, if I can think of anything at all, that is.  So my question is, when you’re writing those great scenes with the fast paced dialogue, does the conversation flow through your brain through your fingertips complete and perfectly done or do you think about them and go back later and change to make them sound better? 

Thanks for the hours of entertainment and enjoyment you provide with your books.  Congratulations on the #3 spot (but I’m not surprised at all).

Susan,

I TRY to do nice things everyday, somedays are more successful than others.
I always pull over to the side of the road to rescue the poor turtles that always seem to be crossing here in Florida. The super cool thing is that the last time I pulled over for a turtle, two other cars pulled over for the same turtle.
I overtip wait staff. I used to be in hospitality and know what an often underpaid thankless job it is.
I donate books to my children’s classrooms and recently sent a bunch of kid books to a small school in Fårö, Sweden.
The teacher was visiting us and wanted to get some good children’s books in English and wanted help finding some.

I wanted to thank you for the nice time my husband and I had when we went to see you speak. I was the one at the West Palm Beach library with too many books and the cute guy named Bjorn.

Natural Born Charmer is such a great book. I keep pushing it and all your other great books at the library where I work.

Susan, you’re amazing! I love, love, love your books. And I hope you’re presenting workshops in Dallas this July. Congratulations to you on the #3 spot in hc. It deserves to go up to #1 and stay there for weeks.

Welcome SEP!  Congrats on NYT #3!  I adore your books and look forward to reading NBC.  You’re such a warm and gracious lady.  It was delightful to meet you in Atlanta.

Nice things we’ve done?  Well, my most recent is the reason I totally missed your blog Tuesday and pretty much everything else on my computer over the past few days.  I was visiting friends in a neighboring state last weekend.  We went to an outside shopping village Saturday morning and a rescue group was holding an adoption fair.  It was 39 degrees and I know they were trying to do a good thing but it was COLD out there!  Anyway, long story short, I ended up coming home with a 4 month old playmate for my 10 year old chocolate lab.  I had NO intention of getting another dog right now but I couldn’t leave without taking the adorable little shivering runt of the litter with me.  My reward?  Lots of puppy kisses, unconditional love and hours of fun and laughter.