Yeesh. There’s been so much going on here on the old homestead, I’m not sure if I’m coming or going.
First, our winners for this week. They are: Peggy Clayton and Louise McCourt. Congratulations, both of you; you’ll be receiving your autographed books soon.
Second, let’s round up some winners for next week. All you have to do is comment, and you’re in. 2 winners will be chosen at random, contacted by Super-Jen, and finally announced right here in this space on Monday morning.
Now, for some catch-up. Mom is still here, recovering from her cold, but she’s much better and already making noises about going home, which is a good sign. My ankle is almost back to normal, though there’s still a little swelling and I have to be careful when walking on uneven ground.
Wednesday was my birthday, and you can see a video of My Big Surprise on my Facebook page. I wore a tiara all day, and the news at Weight Watchers was good–down 2.2 pounds. (YES!) A great fuss was made over me, including cake, party hats all around, and noisemakers. Before I move on from Weight Watchers, though, I want to mention that I met one of you there! Joy showed up, and I must say, her name certainly suits her. She glows when she smiles, which is often.
I’ve been reading and listening up a storm–everything from Steven James’s young adult suspense books, BLUR and FURY, as I may have mentioned, to WEIGHT LOSS FOR PEOPLE WHO FEEL TOO MUCH and MINDFULNESS, which is an 8-week program for–you guessed it–becoming more mindful. I particularly enjoyed the Chocolate Experiment.
(Good thing dark chocolate only has 2 points per square.)
I’m pleased, proud and very, very grateful to report that THE MARRIAGE SEASON is enjoying its second week on the New York Times bestseller list–#9 this time. Thanks, in large part, to all of you.
Well, I’d better get back to the new book, ONCE A RANCHER. If you love this story and these characters half as much as I do, we’ll both be happy.
God bless and keep. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Comment
Congrats on the new book!
Comment
Glad your feeling better….Can’t wait to get my copy of the latest book…
Comment
Keep those books coming!! HAppy birthday a day late.
Comment
Just finished “The Marriage Charm” – LOVED IT!!!
Comment
Glad to hear your ankle is mending. I am saving Marriage Season for next week at the Beach. Just hope I can make it til then! It is very tempting to just go ahead and read it and find something else for the Beach. Weight Watchers is such a great tool. It seems to cover not just your weight issues (we all have those) but confidence and so much more. Good luck!
Comment
Love this series of books…I really hope I can get one that’s autographed!!! <3
Comment
Can’t wait to get my hands on the newest. Happy Birthday a little bit late.
Comment
If you like the Young Adult Suspense genre, have you watched Wayward Pines on Fox? Creeeepy fun.
Comment
Progress is good on all fronts. I love your books, they take me to places I will never go
Comment
love love love all your books! Can’t wait!
Comment
Loved the tiara! And the look of surprise on your face in the video was “priceless”. Your family done good. Glad to hear that your Mom is feeling better and that your ankle is almost back to normal. Birthday surprise and still down at WW; life is good.
Reading Bex’s story now and of course, can’t wait to read your next one.
Congrats to the winners and have a great week.
Comment
Reading Don’t look behind …. I think that’s the name of it. Not a normal type book for you but I’m engrossed.
Comment
Happy Belated Birthday!
Comment
Happy Birthday Linda!!! Many blessings for you and congratulations for your new book <3
Comment
Reading Logan from the Creeds again. It’s the book that started me reading your stuff and it’s just as good this time as it was the first!
Comment
I am happy to hear that your mother is feeling better. My husband and I have been caring for my father since my mother passed away 23 years ago. He had an accidental overdose with his medication last October due to short term memory loss so we had to move him to assisted living later that month. I’m happy to say he has thrived there and really enjoys his new friends! We sold his house the end of May and though being his caretaker was my pleasure, it has also been a challenge because I have health issues of my own. My father is 91! Thank you for your blog this week!
Comment
So glad everything is going good for you and happy you had such a wonderful birthday, I saw the video on facebook and loved it. This are going pretty good here and I stay busy between mowing the lawn and taking my walks. Also glad your mother is doing better. Hang in there and take care.
Comment
Pray you and your Mom continue to get better each day. Good luck with new book and congrats for reaching #9!
Hope you have a blessed week!
Comment
Thank you for the opportunity to win an autographed book!
Comment
A great series, looking forward to this one.
Comment
Love your books. Happy birthday and congrats on being down 2.2 pounds!!! Thanks for taking me along on your trips.
Comment
CONGRATULATIONS to Peggy Clayton and Louise McCourt! Enjoy your books.
CONGRTUALTIONS to you, Linda, for the weight loss! And, I’m glad your birthday was celebrated.
I pray you have a good and Godly week ahead, and I’m glad your mom is better and that you’re healing nicely. All is well in Linda Lail Land! I’m glad I’m a citizen of LLL.
I enjoyed the Brides of Bliss County Series, and am waiting to read the off-shoot of it…Christmas in Mustang Creek.
Right now, I am reading a Debbie Macomber book…Fairy Tale Weddings. The first story in the book is Cindy and the Prince, and so far, it is good.
Take care!
Comment
Can’t wait for a new book – Once a Rancher – any clues about the characters?
Comment
Love all your books. Have kept all of them.
Comment
Love all your books…. have kept all of them in my own library!!
Comment
Hello Linda,
1st congratulations on 2.2 lbs. Sweet news it is working.
So very glad that both you and your Mom are doing better each day and soon will be fully recovered.
Can’t wait for your next book – I love to lose myself in them.
Have a great week, Cheers,
Sharon Rackham
Clearwater,B.C. Canada
Comment
love your books.I read all your books then can’t wait for the next one.
Comment
I am thrilled to be so lucky to receive your autographed copy. Thank you for years of wonderful reading.
Comment
I’m new to your blog but a long time reader fan! Cannot wait to read The Marriage Season!!! I tried to buy it Saturday but they were sold out!!
Comment
Glad to hear WW is working for you. It’s a tough row to hoe, isn’t it.
I wanted to know if you are ever going back in history…I know you went to Gettysburg and that probably something wonderful will come from that, but will we ever hear about any of the O’Ballivans or Yarbrough’s? I’d love to hear about Ben and Tarin. Please, please, please?
Can’t wait to see what happens with Gettysburg. Love the Civil War books. If you’ve never read it, you should check our Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ “Ashes in the Wind”. Takes place in New Orleans during the war and ends in Minnesota. Great Book. Read it 10 times at least. Now the print is too small in my original copy. Isn’t it amazing how small print gets in old books as they sit on the shelf?
Comment
Golly, ONCE A RANCHER, I can hardly wait. I have withdrawal when I’m caught up on all your books.
Glad you and your mom are better.
Comment
Great job on getting those pesky travel pounds off!
Comment
I really enjoy reading your books! Thanks for sharing your creativity! Love and miss Mojo Sheepshanks!
Comment
Hi Linda, First I LOVE your books! I read my first one a few years ago and was hooked. I do have a problem though. When I get one I have to make sure I have the time to open it. I always read it start to finish in one sitting! Then I’m sad it’s over! My fav’s are the McKettricks
Anyway, you mentioned a while ago they might be making a move based on one of your books. Do you have any updates?
Thanks,
Ange
Comment
Linda, loved your birthday video, hoping to win a book this time.
Carolyn
Comment
Can not wait until the next book comes out. I have all the marriages books. Glad your mom is felling better and your ankle is doing better. You did good at weight watchers.
Comment
Love reading your books always waiting for your new books.
Comment
Hope your ankle gets back to normal real soon. . .It’s hard to ride without both ankles working at 100% . . I know because I have tried and my Arabian gelding just looks over his shoulder as if to say, “… okay, are you kidding me or do you expect me to read your mind when you use these unbalanced signals????? . . and then he just does what he wants to do anyway . . . lol !! Rascal and I are both sending positive, healing energy to you . . Hoping your ankle is back to normal soon

Comment
Hello Linda,
I started reading Marriage Season this weekend and so far it’s not failed in keeping awake at night! My nook ran out of juice last night, otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten up for work this AM!
Glad to hear your mother’s on the mend. It’s nice to be able to lend a hand to family when in need.
Congrats on your Weight Watchers success. I…well, I am still working on my goals. Being able to swim laps in my backyard pool is helping me more than all of those high intensity work out classes I attended the past six months, plus, I get to work on my tan! Keep up the good work with Weight Watchers. They are a quality group of folks!
Happy Birthday!! An cause for celebration for sure!!
Stay well,
Laurie
Comment
Glad your mom is doing better. You did great at weight watchers. How much has you lost altogether?
Comment
Love your books. Can’t wait till the new one comes out. My library lets me put a hold on it way in advance. Keep up the good work and hope you’re feeling back on top of things.
Comment
love your books, would be honored to win
Comment
Everything seems good all around! Bought The Marriage Season book today. Just could not wait any longer! Read all your books and quite a few twice. Love the cowboy ones. Thank you for your books and post. God Bless.
Comment
Today with three of my nieces we went to see Ruby Falls in Tenn.
Comment
Love all your books!! Can’t wait to read “The Marriage Season”.
Comment
Linda, Your post always makes my day. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and great reviews on other books. glad both you and your mother are doing much better. Continue to take care of yourself and of course as much as your sweet mother will allow you to do for her.
Have a blessed week
Dixie
Comment
I love you books! I wish you could release a new one every day!
Comment
Excited to hear about the new book. Happy birthday!
Comment
Happy (late) Birthday!!!! One can never have too many tiaras!
Comment
Once a Rancher sounds great. When will it be out. Still looking for a few very old books that I want to read over again too.
Comment
Looking forward to this new series. Thank you!
Comment
Just love all your books!!!
Comment
It is a busy time of the year here as well raising 5 kids and teaching one to drive. I have not read the marriage season got to get caught up
Comment
glad you and mom are doing better!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment
Love all of your books!!!
Comment
Loved the pics on FB of your birthday and your sister surprising you. Have a great week and hope the cold bug clears out of your house! Lisa from the chocolate affaire in Glendale az!
Comment
Keep up the good work at WW. You are doing amazing with your ankle & still losing weight, God Bless !
Comment
Yeah, a peek at New book, I am happy
Comment
Congrats on the book and a belated happy birthday… Hug your mom, I wish I could mine!
Comment
Loved all of your books!!!! I have been reading your books for over 20+years
Comment
Being from Utah, I see so many Wyoming license plates with their distinctive bucking bronc and flying cowboy – and everyone of them reminds me that part of the American West still exists just over the State line. I love going to Mustang Creek with you!
(and the marriage pact women!) You can be certain that Mustang Creek exists somewhere in Wyoming just under a different name.Great book – great place to visit. Thank you so much.
Nikki Hiatt
Comment
I love your blog. It motivates me and do better!! Great news about your WW loss. I know we’ll all love the next book. You’ve never let us down!! It’s around 100 degrees in S. Carolina today!! I hope it’s coo!er at your home. How’s your Mother?
Comment
Not a supprise you are on the best seller list. Your books are great! I reread the often.
Hope your Mom feels better soon. Can’t wait for the new book!
Have a wonderful week
Comment
I loved The Marriage Season, and I’m looking forward to Once a Rancher. Glad you had a great birthday.
Comment
Congrats winners. And congrats on the second week of the best sellers list Linda. You write some amazing books and wonderful characters, so there is no surprise there. Happy belated birthday to you as well.
Carol L
Comment
Hope you had an awesome birthday!!! I have to get my copy of the Marriage Season, I loved the first two so I know I will love this one. I love all your books so much!! Have a great week and I hope your mom feels better.
Comment
Happy belated Birthday!
and Congrats on the WW loss! Good work there, even with a sprained ankle. Way to go! 
Comment
Glad you had a lovely birthday. I saw the video on Facebook, of your sister surprising you. Great news on your Mom feeling better and your ankle healing.
Congratulations to this weeks winners.
Comment
I want to thank you for the many hours of reading I have had with your books. They are always well written and have great story lines. Looking forward to many more new books.
Comment
Congratulations to Peggy and Louise!
Comment
Happy Belated Birthday!
Comment
Loving your book, raining like crazy in Michigan! Glad your Mom is doing better!
Comment
Happy Belated Birthday! Congrats on the weight loss…that is a lifelong journey for many of us. Hope the ankle continues to mend! Wishing you and your family a healthy summer filled with new adventures.
Susan
Comment
Just finished the Marriage Season and loved it!! Can’t wait for the next book.
Comment
Congrats Ladies. Glad to hear everyone is doing better and that you had a nice birthday. It’s a crazy day today. It’s been raining all day sort of, they had to cancal the Cubs game tonight due to an earlier tornado warning, which I said to my husband how did I miss that. I didn’t hear any serins here. Supposed to rain most of the night, hopfully it will stop before the Blackhawks game is over.
Linda
Comment
Congratulations to the winners this week. Glad you’re birthday was so fun and nice weight loss too, Linda. Hope your mom continues to improve everyday.
Looking forward to that next book!!! Blessings.
Comment
Congrats on your weight loss. Weight Watchers is a great organization. BTW- I am addicted …. it’s an addiction ‘fed’ by your new books! Keep it up, as I don’t plan on getting ‘cured’ any time soon!! LOL!
Comment
Happy Birthday Linda! You should wear your tiara year round!
Comment
Happy Belated Birthday!
Comment
Happy to hear everyone is recovering, hope everyone stays well. Still praying!!! Have a great week!!!
Comment
Happy Belated Birthday! I saw your posts and looked like great fun! I loved all three of the Marriage books.
Have a great summer. Looking forward to your next book.
Comment
love your books. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
Comment
saw that video of your Birthday surprise – visits like that are so much more special than a wrapped present.
Comment
Happy Birthday!
Comment
Can not wait to read the new book series!!! Happy birthday and congrats on the weight loss! Keep up the good work in both areas!
Comment
Just received “The Marriage Season” today. Can’t wait to read it!!
Comment
Happy (belated ) Birthday , Linda . The pictures looked like lots of fun . congratulations to last wks. winners, hope that this is your best week ever .
Comment
Looking forward to next book.
Comment
Reading ‘The Marriage Season’ right now. Love all your books.
Comment
Happy Late Birthday!!!!
Comment
So good to hear your mother is getting better and you lost weight and had a BLAST on your birthday!
Comment
Love your books!
Comment
Hi! love reading the marriage season but then all your books are so good! congrats to the 2 ladies that won your contest! glad you had a good weigh-in! I’m maintaining my weight loss so that’s a real plus! Have a wonderful week!
Comment
I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of your books and I’d love to receive a signed copy of your latest!
Comment
i have been reading your books from the beginning. Thanks for the great ride.
Comment
You deserve to be on the best sellers list!
Comment
Hi Linda
Looking forward to Once a Rancher – once a reader of your books – always a fan!
Glad you had such a lovely birthday.
Comment
I love alll your books, I’m reading about Bex now in the Marriage Pact series. Is there going to be a book written about Christmas on the 3 families?
Comment
Happy belated birthday. Love all of your books!
Comment
I’m a big fan of your books, would love the book The Marriage Season, thanks for all you do for your readers.
Comment
happy belated birthday!
Comment
Congrats on being down 2.2 lbs big deal when its your birthday and there is cake! haha
But really thanks for the amazing books we get to enjoy!
Comment
A belated Happy Birthday. Looking forward to the new book. Do we get a hint? Congratulations on the 2lbs!!
Comment
Wonderful books, bless you for your help with the needs of other women.
Comment
I have a ton of your books; absolutely love them. Love those happy endings!
Comment
Love all your books that is when I have the money to purchase one or find them in yard sales.
go to the library when they get new ones.
Comment
You can find most of them on Amazon in the used books section at very low prices. Some as low as a penny and the shipping is 3.99 so it only costs $4.00.
Comment
LOVE LOVE LOVE all your books I am in the process of collecting all I can find you are a GREAT writer
Comment
Happy Birthday, Linda!!
Comment
Love your cowboys. Keep the stories coming. Congrats on the latest book.
Comment
I wish you could write as fast as I read your books. Cannot wait for this new one. I have been re-reading each series as I wait for your newest addition to the series. Thanks for the wonderful adventures through the old west.
Comment
A big congrats to Peggy Clayton and Louise McCourt!! Linda so glad you and your mom are feeling better. I went on Amazon and gave you a big old 5 star on” The Marriage Season”it was a very, very good book as all of yours are..
Comment
So glad things are getting back on track for everyone. Happy Belated Birthday. Loved the Tiara!
Comment
Glad you had a happy birthday weight loss all on the same day! I’m also glad to hear you’re at work on another book. When will we know something about the Big Sky movie on Hallmark? Looking forward to that.
Comment
I love your books!
Comment
I love all your books, I am always looking forward to the next one.
Comment
i read all your books and love them. Would love to win this.
Comment
what a great opportunity, thanks
Comment
never met one of your books I didn’t love
Comment
Glad to hear healing is taking place.
I truly enjoy your books.
Comment
My husband and I visited Gettysburg many years ago and found it peaceful as well. With being historians and I am a genealogist, this was right up our alley to add to our travel plans that year. We wish we had spent more time there but time ran out.
Love your books and cannot wait for your Civil War series.
Shirley
Comment
Hi Linda, happy birthday a little late. I am happy to hear that your ankle is getting better. I have read almost everything you have written and I especially love your sagas. Of course the McKittrick family is my favorite. I am reading book 2 of the Marriage pact and have book 3 waiting on the shelf. I also am a Weight Watchers member an have lost 13 pounds since February. I did go off track during Easter and gained back 4 pounds but have lost those and one more. I do it all online.
I can’t wait to read your newest book when it comes out and I always pre
order through Amazon. I will be looking forward to your Gettysburg series especially since my husband is from Virginia.
Stay well and God bless.
ELIZABETH
Comment
Wonderful news that you and your mom are both on the mend!
Can’t wait for the next new book! I devoured this latest one in 2 days!
Comment
Love your books – have them all. Love seeing a new book out of yours.
Comment
Just found the blog. Super excited to be able to follow it!
Hope your ankle gets better soon! Thank goodness it wasn’t a sprained wrist! You can still type!
Ginny
Comment
Happy birthday! My oldest son shares a birthday with you.
Have a great day tomorrow!
Comment
Just finished the Marriage Season. I actually read them backwards, but it didn’t matter. I loved each one of them!
Comment
Hey Linda love the party picture I thought it was awesome to see u in the kitchen and didn’t notice your sister siting their.. well I am glad that you enjoyed your special day, sound like you had a great one, so glad everything is kinda getting back to normal, I lost my cousin the other day to stage 5 lung cancer, I live in North carolinia she lives in Massachusetts, I couldn’t have handled seeing her like that , her sisters did a wonderful job and made baskets and had a benefit to help raise money for her for her burial and co-pays her insurance wouldn’t, I know cancer is awful but I think it was harder on her because she had to watch the ones she loves watch her go through all that mess, but they love her and so do I and we all know she is pain free and Happier now God Bless all of them and give them strength to keep moving on… make sure you let everyone you love know , because God only gives them to us for a little while before he takes them back.. sending love hugs and prayers for you all xoxxo
Comment
Congratulations on another bestseller. I know you have had many, but each one surely must be special for you. I know it must never get old. lol. Blessings to you.
Comment
Happy Birthday Linda ! I hope your day was fantastic !
Comment
Love your books. Mckettricks was my favorite so far!
Comment
Glad that your mother is doing better. Belated Happy Birthday.
Comment
I am new to your blog, today actually! Happy Birthday! Missing your sister in the kitchen sounds just like something I would do! lol Congrats to the winners! So glad your ankle is doing better. Would love to visit Gettysburg, or someplace similar, because of all the history and see a Civil War reenactment. I really enjoy your books, and I am looking forward to you writing in that time period. Congrats on your weight loss. I am going to be starting one on 7-15 where I will only be drinking 6 shakes a day and no food for at least 10 weeks! Thanks for the giveaway!
Comment
I enjoy reading your blog and love reading your books. Hope you have a wonderful week
Comment
What a great giveaway!