My newest book, Lost and Found in Laurel Ridge, is now available on Amazon.com.  I always knew that I wanted to write a book set in Appalachia because this is where my family tree is rooted.  Many years ago I started researching my family history and was pleased to find that my ancestors settled this country.  Mainly immigrants from the British Isles, my ancestors left their respective countries (England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales) behind to try for a better life.  They fought in the American Revolution and settled Kentucky, Virginia, North & South Carolina, and Tennessee.  When I wrote this new book all I had to do was shake my family tree for characters.  One of my ancestors really did have his lunacy papers signed by John Hancock.  That is quite a claim to fame!  The character of Miss Bird is based on my own great-grandmother.  She passed away when I was just two years old, so I took literary liberties, but I wanted to honor her by writing about a strong female who spoke her mind, met challenges head-on, and believed in love and loyalty above all else.  The main male character, Jack, is a conglomeration of many of my male relatives who have the Appalachian spirit in their blood.  They are blunt, big talkers, moody, and eschew anything popular and in-style.  My dad recently told me that I’m an “attractive, middle-aged woman.”  He meant it as a compliment.  When I developed Jack, I had him, my brothers, my uncles, my cousins, and even my sons in mind.  I have frequently described them all as missing a portion of their frontal lobe.  They can be charming and charismatic and often draw people to them with their energy but their tendency to speak their minds at any costs mandates that you develop a thick skin.  I wanted my main character of Erin to come to Laurel Ridge fragile and timid.  I wanted her to be hurt and angered by Jack’s manner.  Her personal growth includes learning what makes a man like Jack tick, which is not dissimilar to my own journey with my family.  I hope you enjoy Lost and Found in Laurel Ridge.