If you had told me a year ago that I would have an email from the amazing Eileen Goudge in my inbox, I never would have believed it. She is the New York Times bestselling author of fifteen novels, one cookbook, and has a brand new mystery, Bones and Roses, out now! She does the traditional publishing thing, the self publishing thing, and you’ve probably read the enduring classic, Garden of Lies, that made Eileen a break-out novelist and put her on the map forever. She is considered to be one of the most successful writers of women’s fiction, which is only about half of what gave me hives when I asked her to read Dear Carolina. (I’m not exaggerating. All around my neck and my collar bone. It was pretty hilarious.)
I figured she would say, “No.” Actually, I figured she wouldn’t respond. I mean, it’s not like she’s sitting around eating bon bons all day. But she did respond. Like, right away. And this famous author she said she would read my little book. And then she said this about it:
“A story of motherhood told by two mothers of the same child, DEAR CAROLINA is Southern fiction at its best. Lovely and lyrical, with the strong voices of the two female narrators taking us deep into the heart of what being a mother is about. It shows us that love is not without sacrifice, and there’s little in life that doesn’t go down easier with a spoonful of jam. Beautifully written.”
Sigh… Bless you, sweet Eileen. You have totally made, well, probably my entire month! Just thought I’d share. Now I’ll have to go float around and feel lucky for awhile… Wishing you a Wednesday full of surprises just this wonderful!
That’s WONDERFUL!!! I am so happy for you!