Celebrate all the moms!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! This year is a special one for me because it’s my first Mother’s Day as a grandmother!! So this year, in addition to celebrating me and my own mom, we’ll be celebrating my daughter as a new mom, too!

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While it’s kind of a mind-blowing new life stage for me, I love celebrating moms. Motherhood is a special role. I didn’t grow up thinking I couldn’t wait to be a mom the way some girls do. In fact, the hubs and I waited eight years after we were married. We just weren’t ready in the early years of our marriage. Kids change everything!!!

Becoming a mom to two amazing kids has been a constant source of joy and pride. I know this isn’t the case for everyone. And I don’t think every woman has to become a mom to have a great, rewarding life. Over the years, Mother’s Day has expanded to include people who are like-a-mom, stepmoms, aunts, good friends, caregivers, etc. And that’s awesome. Anyone who cares for kids should be celebrated! As a mom, I value those friends who would step in for me and be good to my kids, the friends who cheer when my kids have an accomplishment or special event, the friends who commiserate when life hands my kids a tough blow. I celebrate those women, too. It really does take a village!

A lot of the books I write include moms — both the women’s fiction and the romances. Most of them are wonderful moms who offer helping hands and support, and are full of love, compassion, and great advice. But, as always, I try to create realistic characters and storylines, so these are relatable women who have their fair share of angst with jobs, kids, and spouses. Some struggle with single parenting, others face challenges with adult children, and some are transitioning to the grandmother role.

Is your mom a reader? Introduce her to some new friends this year! My Women of Whitfield series is a trilogy about three small-town friends who are there for each other through parenting, loss, love and everything life throws at them.

The books are available in digital or paperback formats from most online book retailers. Here are a few “mom” excerpts:

Claire, The Storm Within– When the ice cream arrived, it was topped with whipped cream, covered in multi-colored candy sprinkles, and included a small chocolate-chip cookie tucked along the side. Claire couldn’t decide what was funnier – her daughter’s aghast expression or her grandson’s look of pure delight. The kid’s eyes were as round as his open mouth, and his fists clenched as they shook with excitement.

When Elise started to speak, Claire rested a hand on her daughter’s arm. “Let them have it, Elise. The look on Andy’s face is priceless. Just enjoy their joy this time, okay?”

Dana, Second Wind— “Be back at midnight,” Dana said. “That means no drinking, Chase. You can’t be on the highway if you’ve had even a few beers.”

“I can just spend the night there.”

“No. That’s not what I meant. I want you to come back, and to be sober. Period. You shouldn’t be drinking, anyway. You can’t afford a DUI. Also, I ran into Cameron Wade at the lost and found yesterday. He’s been driving around town picking up things that have landed all over the place. You can help him tomorrow morning. He said nine or ten. What about nine-thirty? That gives you plenty of time to sleep.”

Chase’s grunt was muffled by the closing of the door.

Dana watched her son’s car pull away from the curb and wondered where that adorable kid was who never left the house without saying “I love you.” What happened to the kid who would still allow her to grab his hand for a few moments even in high school? She missed him.

Mary, Barefoot Days– “Mom, you do realize that until two days ago I thought I was in love with someone else, right?” She pulled a top over her head and reached for her jeans.

Mary moved forward and ran a hand down Sara’s shoulder-length hair. “I do. I’m sorry. I’m not making light of that. But…well, maybe the best thing for getting over him is finding the real Mr. Right, hmm?”

“I have no idea what Evan is doing now, Mom. Heck, he could be married. I told you, we don’t talk anymore.”

“You would know, because I would know.”

“Whatever. Give it a rest, okay?”

“Fine, but for the record, I don’t think he’s dating anyone.” She leaned in, meeting Sara’s eyes in the mirror. “And I know he isn’t bringing anyone with him to the wedding.”

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