Henderson/St.George

I’m finally getting back on my feet after a long, exhausting trip last week to sign books in the Las Vegas area (Henderson, to be exact) and St. George, Utah. We met so many warm, friendly, and wonderful people I can’t count them. The managers of the bookstores were not only helpful; they were engaged and very supportive. Everyone who came by our table was friendly and interesting, whether or not they bought a copy of Charlie’s Girl.

By the way, if you live in the Las Vegas or St. George areas and would like to buy a copy of Charlie’s Girl, we signed several books for sale in these stores. Some folks do like to have autographed copies, and we’re only too happy to oblige if possible.

Another feature of our trip was a visit with two former missionary companions from long ago. Dean Swensen came down to St. George, where two of his children live with their families, and Sylvan Turnblom and his daughter, Jennifer, drove down from their home in Centerville. Sylvan and I had not seen each other for over 40 years. What a reunion! I told Syl and Dean that the visit was interesting because we could see who had gained the most weight and lost the most hair. I won on both counts.

We also had the chance to spend some time in Las Vegas with our nephew, Rob Danner, and his daughter, Sarah. We were expecting to see Rob, but were surprised when Sarah walked into the bookstore with her characteristically beautiful smile. It took a moment or two to recognize her. Something about being outside your “natural habitat” I guess. We had dinner together and then Rob put us up for the night.

Today begins our blog tour. It will go on for two weeks. Several bloggers who love books will review Charlie’s Girl. This blog tour is a great idea and will introduce the book to more people than we would be able to reach otherwise. There are so many more supportive people willing to help authors than when my first book (I Only Laugh When It Hurts) was published way back when. I’m gratified to know that there are so many book lovers out there.

Well, it’s good to be back home. Now back to the sequels to Charlie’s Girl.