He courted me for months, being a true gentleman along the way. Patiently he waited, breaking that sturdy wall down around my heart one piece at a time. It had built up slowly over the years, cemented by the pain I had endured. Where I came from, I learned not to trust, and that if I let anyone in, hurt would be my only retribution.

Dan didn’t seem to mind that I made him wait three months before I let him kiss me, or that I replied with a kind thank you when he expressed his love. It was his willingness to let me slowly open my heart that made me fall in love with him in the first place.

Chivalry was second nature to him, yet all new to me. Where I came from men didn’t respect women. But Dan quickly changed that. He knew how to treat a lady. Always opening doors for me and helping me put on a jacket. Love notes would be found on my pillow at night and warm tender kisses touched my lips every morning before he left for work. He never, ever, went a day without telling me how much he loved me. That was my Dan. My sweet loving Dan.

Oh, how he loved sending flowers. For no reason at all I would be surprised by a brightly colored bouquet that smelled just as sweet as the morning sunshine. Often he would take pleasure in handing them to me himself, but every once in a while I would be surprised with a delivery truck dropping off an arrangement. It was just his way to show how much he cared, and that I was special to him.

Off all the flowers I have received over the years it is the basket of yellow roses with white daises that I will treasure the most. A purple butterfly was perched on the side handle of the basket and the note attached simple said “Thinking of you, Love Dan.” These will forever be my favorite as you sent them to me out of the blue the day before you went to Heaven.

Now I have an angel watching over me from up above. I may not be able to see him, but I can still feel his love deep within my heart. When I close my eyes tight the vision of him softly caressing my cheeks with his fingertips comes rushing back as vividly as it had when he was still lying by my side.

Time may have changed things, but there is one thing I know for sure now. Where I come from, there was a kind and gentle man who showed me the true meaning of love.

What an exciting week it has been! Thursday I came home from work to find my shipment of books have arrived. The feeling of opening that book knowing that six years of hard work was sitting inside is overwhelming.

Later that evening I brought down some autographed copies of the book to the River's End Bookstore. Some people had already reserved their copies! If you're down that way look me up in the local author section of the store.

To top off this busy week my first two official reviews have been posted to Amazon.Com....both received 5 stars !!! I'm so excited that I had to share them with you:

5.0
out of 5 stars A  must read March 9, 2013  
Format:Kindle Edition

One of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking books I've ever  read. The courage this woman and her daughter have shown is amazing. A book I  would recommend to everyone. 
 
5.0
out of 5 stars Breaking  the Silence
March 3, 2013 
Format:Paperback

This is a heartbreaking story but the mother in the story has  such resilience. It is amazing what people go through and are still able to carry on with a smile on their faces after it is all said and done. You have to read the book and see what I mean. Great book!

I am so touched that readers took the time to post the reviews. A big Thank You goes out to them!!

It has been said that writing a book is like birthing a child. It takes time, patience, and alot of love. You become emotionally attached and live and breath your words on the page. This is how I spent my last six years.



Now I am proud to announce that my novel has been born. Breaking the Silence is now available for sale! You can pick up a copy on Amazon.Com or download an eBook for your Kindle. Links to both places are on the Breaking the Silence navigation tab to your left.

A blog tour is currently being planned as I make my way around the web. There will be free book giveaways and reviews to look forward to. Have a website and would like to take part? Email me at [email protected] and I will put you on the list of participants. If you don't have a site, you can always post your review on Amazon.Com after you read the

It's right around the corner. That magical time when the days grow longer, and green begins to once again touch upon this earth. Yes, spring is almost here.


Typically it's also the time when folks get the urge to declutter their home, and begin to prepare for the busy months coming ahead. I can hold no exception to this rule. Along with the spring cleaning within my home, I decide my website also needed a face lift.

There will be alot more changes coming soon, but as with any project, they must be taken one step at a time. For now, I hope you enjoy the cozier look of the site and keep your eyes peeled for some exciting things to come.