The 14th Annual Heart of Dixie Readers Luncheon will be held on SAT, April 30th, in Huntsville, Alabama. Love Inspired authors Missy Tippens, Debbie Kaufman and I are driving there on Friday and will stay downtown at the beautiful and plush Embassy Suites that adjoins the Von Braun Convention Center. Dinner that night with the HOD chapter--all great folks who are so warm and welcoming. It's always fun to see the gals from the Writing Playground as well as Kathy Bone, who does an outstanding job coordinating the luncheon. So many other friends I've made over the last few years will be there. Can't wait to catch up on what's been happening in their lives.
I shopped today for my author basket--a Nautilus tote with a military theme to celebrate the May release of THE OFFICER'S SECRET, the first book in my new Military Investigations Series. The bag contains a beach towel, journal, photo album, cute Fourth of July keepsake box and patriotic centerpiece, dishtowels, a red, white and blue tablecloth and other goodies and books. I'll be giving THE OFFICER'S SECRET to everyone who sits at my table as well as some other gifts, including chocolate, of course!
This year, a familiar face and beloved author will be missing. Beverly Barton, who helped start the chapter, passed away last week. She was a lovely lady who exuded Southern charm and hospitality. Although physically gone from our midst, I know her spirit will be with us throughout the day.
If you're near Huntsville, make your reservation for the readers luncheon. Hope to see you there!
Wishing you abundant blessings!
Debby Giusti
http://www.debbygiusti.com/
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/
THE OFFICER’S SECRET is available in regular paperback format as well as large print and e-book. Pre-order now. Contact Omega Book Center, 770-487-3977, to order THE OFFICER'S SECRET. Sales will benefit Bridget O'Connell, an adorable 9-year-old, who needs a kidney transplant. THE OFFICER'S SECRET
by Debby Giusti
SECRETS ON AND OFF BASE
In the middle of the night, Maggie Bennett finds her army officer
sister dead in her military housing. She’s devastated by the loss of
the estranged sibling with whom she was trying to reconnect. But as
U.S. Army criminal investigations agent Nate Patterson begins asking
questions about the officer’s suspicious death, Maggie can’t tell the
handsome man everything she knows. Except that her sister was
definitely murdered—for a secret Maggie can’t share. Then she walks
into the killer’s trap and has to trust Nate with the truth…and
her heart.
Louisville belle Annie Jones (above left) heads south for the luncheon each year. She and Writers Playground web mistress Marilyn Puett are old friends and get-together for the event. Missy and I had dinner with the Playground gals as well as other HOD members on Friday night. We sat at Vicki Lewis Thompson’s table and fell in love with her immediately. During her speech on Saturday, Vicki called herself an “introverted exhibitionist” and explained how the two sides of her personality often get her in trouble. Vicki said, authors need to “shift somewhat as the market changes.” Today’s books have more action and a faster pace, but readers still love a strong Alpha Hero. Vicki and I posed for the photo below before she gave her speech.
This year, I donated a beach basket for the author drawing and Dana Crosslin (below right) was the winner. Hope you enjoy all the goodies, Dana!
Linda Howard received the Heart of Dixie Mentor of the Year Award. Thanks, Danniela, for snapping this fun shot of me with Linda Howard (L) and Linda Winstead Jones (R).
Here’s a picture of Luncheon Coordinator Kathy Bone (R) and HOD writer Sherry Werth (L) looking so cute! I bet Kathy was breathing a sigh of relief to have another successful luncheon in the bag!
Lots of the Birmingham Southern Magic writers attended in support of Christy Reese who’s debut RESCUE ME is out this month. GRW member Trish Milburn came down from Nashville, and we had our picture taken (below) before lunch.
I want to give a shout out to Melanie Dickerson and Julia Muscari, Dianne Hart and Anita Hart, who were at the luncheon and made a point to say hello! Always good to see you!