In One Thing Better, Lena reflects on the loved ones she’s lost and thinks, “My life umbrella has diminished until it’s nearly gone altogether. And it’s always raining. Always.” That’s been on my mind these last few weeks because my life umbrella has gotten smaller—I lost my Dad. He was big on good thoughts, positivity, taking pictures, writing notes, and enjoying good things. So, that’s what I plan to do.
He wrote that note in my second book, Luna-Sea: A Delilah Duffy Mystery, and it fits the occasion. He wrote all over my books.
Jet was my nickname, BTW. Here’s my favorite Dad-scribble I found so far:
Moms shower us with love, care, and comfort but Dads are our biggest fans.
I also love this one–he does this frequently in my books:
I might have a cussing problem. 🤷🏻♀️ But I came by it honestly, Dad.
One of my favorite Dad books of all time is Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern. If you’re looking for a laugh at the expense of all dads, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s also a great gift, and Father’s Day is fast approaching, ya’ll.
More good thoughts (and pictures)… it’s Sprummer (that’s my word for spring/summer)! Here in coastal NC, it’s already sweaty-hot. But the flowers are rocking right now!
💐Good job, flowers! You make tough times much prettier. Need more flowers? Check out California’s superbloom. 🌼🌺🌸 I’m glad my flowers can’t see that–they might have bloom envy.
🧸 Here’s some book news that will lift your spirits! When an impromptu storytime with her niece draws a crowd on her stoop, librarian Araba Maze made it her mission to bring more books to children in “book deserts.” Ah, that brings me back to my preschool director days and reiterates my mantra- we need more books! 📚
More Good News on the Book-Front…
💚 Yes No Maybe has reached 155 reviews on Goodreads & 37 on Amazon, holding steady at 4.23 & 4.4 ⭐️ respectively. Yay & Thank You, Reviewers! 🙏🏻
☔️ Every Good Thing, the standalone sequel to One Thing Better is happening, ya’ll. But it’s not helping my sadness. 🥺 This book keeps it real. It’s my first-ever marriage-in-trouble story, and it’s hitting home because it’s Lena and Ben. ❤️🩹 I can’t wait to see how this one ends. It’ll hit store shelves no later than December 31st, so my fingers better start flying across this keyboard.
🐎 One Thing Better is free to website subscribers and on sale right now for everyone else at $2.99. That’s cheaper than a cup of coffee, folks. Dad always loved a good bargain.
When Lena talks to Ben about her thoughts on loss, Ben says, “We’re all expendable. But living a full life honors the lost. Struggling with why detracts from that endeavor.”
Ah, Ben… so wise. When your umbrella shrinks, maybe that’s the time to lift your face to the rain.
Thanks, Dad. 🥹
Wishing you all good thoughts & over-sized umbrellas,
Jessica
