Well, I have lots of fabulous news this month! First of all—though perhaps not most important—I am finally home again on Cinnamon Ridge. It feels so good! Secondly, COMANCHE HEART is now officially available in bookstores, much to the delight of fans worldwide. For those of you who have preordered it online, it should be arriving at your door at any moment. Swift Antelope and Amy’s story is, according to my long-time fans, a very rewarding read, and already I’ve received letters from readers who recently read it for the first time, thoroughly enjoyed it, and cannot wait for the next Comanche book, INDIGO BLUE. But before INDIGO BLUE’s reissue, they’ll be seeing on store shelves my latest book, EARLY DAWN, scheduled to be turned in to my editor on June 11th. Keep your fingers crossed for me that nothing unexpected happens to slow me down! I anticipate that EARLY DAWN will be in stores in early January, 2010, but stay tuned to my site for more details because publishing schedules can change.

The sunny weather here in Central Oregon has been lovely. I had forgotten how quiet it is up here on the ridge, which is so nice when I’m writing. I’ve spent many tranquil hours in my office, editing the pages of EARLY DAWN. There are very few distractions, but there are, of course, some, those being little things like the telephone ringing, the dogs barking, or the sound of John’s big diesel pick-up pulling up to the house, jarring me back to the present. Otherwise, it’s easy to become wholly engrossed in Eden and Matthew’s story, and feel as if I’m actually living in the 1800’s, many generations ago.

Now, before you get the impression that I might be eccentric, or you write me off as a recluse, I assure you that I’m actually quite sociable. Not all writers are introverts or antisocial, contrary to popular belief. Let me assure you that in my case nothing’s further from the truth. I’ll admit, though, that when I’m working, I tend to be sharply focused and immersed in the story so each character can take on a life of its own. The characters become an extension of my family.

During the moving havoc, we’ve been cooking mostly in the outdoor kitchen on the grill. (Would you believe we’ve already had a couple of get-togethers with our son John and a young couple from our church?) We crank up the grill, open the bar, and everything’s good to go. Sid does the meat—he has become quite the grill expert—our guests bring side dishes, and it ends up being very little work for me—which equates to my being able to focus on finishing my book. I’m so very fortunate to have such an unselfish and thoughtful man at my side, such a wonderful son, and such good friends.

Speaking of books and of cooking, I’d like to announce the winners of the May contest. Linda Cade of Ladonia, Texas, sent in a wonderful recipe for Macaroni Salad (Spring Salad), which sounds light and divine. And Misty Hazard of Englewood, Colorado submitted her recipe for Pasta Salad (Light and Yummy Summer Pasta), which shouldn’t last long at any summertime barbeque. Both readers will be getting an autographed copy of one of my books, title to be determined. To view their recipes, click on the Favorite Recipes tab on my home page.

On the world front, I’ve been praying for those who may be suffering in any way. I know many people are facing hardships during these uncertain times. On a bright note, one of my readers, Hazel, recently sent me a link to a fabulous article about how reading romances is helping women to cope! How awesome is that?

Thanks to all of you who have signed up to follow me on Twitter. I love sending brief update messages to all of you. And my message quickly finds its way to my Facebook and MySpace pages all by itself. If you haven’t had a chance, just go to www.twitter.com/CthrnAndrsn. Perhaps you know someone else who reads my books who would like to sign up. If so just send them on over. Following me at Twitter is a big advantage because you get to know what I’m doing at any given moment.

And, don’t forget about my Facebook and MySpace pages. At MySpace, you can sign up to get my blog each time I update one. And at Facebook, you can comment on my Twitter updates, as well as the fan updates I write there. For quickest access to these pages, go to my home page and click on Favorite Links. There, you will be directed to the URL’s, and in a few more clicks you’ll be on your way!

To all my readers both domestic and international, my wish is that you have a wonderful month filled with family and friendship. I can’t wait to get feedback once you’ve had a chance to read COMANCHE HEART.

As I put the finishing touches on EARLY DAWN, I’ll be sure to stop over at the Bulletin Board and read all about the wonderful books you’ve been reading, and other aspects of your lives. When you have time, hop on over to read my Welcome Letter. This month, I’ll be sharing aspects of my life here in Central Oregon at my new home on Cinnamon Ridge. Hope you’ll come join me!

All the Best,

Catherine Anderson