BEHIND THE STORY: My father was gone to war for over two years, with no phone calls home, no furlough; soldiers were in "for the duration." The only contact between him and his new bride were letters. He did not even see my oldest sister until she was two! Mom kept all his letters, and put together a compilation for us kids. We were so moved by what we read, that we encouraged her to pursue its publication. My parents (in their late eighties) have always been so supportive of my writing, that now it's my turn to encourage them. This is a perfect gift for history buffs, anyone with ties to World War II, or for those who are moved by real-life love stories. Besides, it would make my mother very happy.

BEHIND THE STORY: It's an odd occurrence when characters don't behave themselves. In the writing of this book some characters behaved nicely, and others had the audacity to try to hide themselves-from me of all people! Little did they know how tenacious and stubborn I am, and that I would prevail. I did prevail, but it was often exhausting.

BEHIND THE STORY: I am honored and humbled to share a profession with this woman. Needless to say I connected with Jane Austen and found many of her struggles to be my struggles- to be universal struggles. The changes in the world from 1807 to 2007 are vast, but the changes in human nature are not. Witty and wise, I would have loved to call Jane my friend. Oh, the characters and plot lines we could have brainstormed!

BEHIND THE STORY: I always thought of Martha as merely the plump woman in her dashing husband's shadow. But in researching her life I found her to be so much more. What that woman went through! Although she would have loved to stay home in Mt. Vernon, she spent every winter of the Revolutionary War up north with George and the troops in their camps! The soldiers looked forward to the arrival of "Lady Washington." She was a giver—sometimes giving too much. But above all, she was a survivor. She humbled me...

Some readers of Mozart's Sister have inquired, "What's fact and what's fiction in this story?" To answer this question I have put together a "Facts & Fiction in Mozart's Sister" document. It dissects the book scene-by-scene and tells you what's real and what's Nancy. There's also a bit of commentary included (for those of you who want to know what I think about certain 18th century this-and-thats.) Also, I have a list of discussion questions available. Just ask. Your wish is... never mind.

Note to Readers: In the back of The Temptation is an excerpt from Book Four of this series, The Inheritance. Small problem. There is no Book Four! (I know. Tell me about it... ) But if you want to read more about Kathy and her family, read Crossroads.