This week’s winners are Karen Silver and Linda Holmes. Congratulations, ladies. Your signed books will be on their way to you immediately. As always, a new contest begins today. All you need to do is comment and you are entered to win. Next Monday, one of the winners’ names may be your own. 
As for the weather, we started out with a hint of sunshine, but now the sky is overcast and, okay, a bit gloomy. It isn’t getting me down, though, because I won’t let it. I choose to focus on the many, many good things in my life.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I’ve been stuck on a weight loss plateau for a while now, so I switched (temporarily) from Simply Filling (Weight Watchers) to counting points. This was rough for the first few days, but now I’ve adjusted and I’m pretty sure I’m losing weight again. (I didn’t have any drastic gains, but I wasn’t making progress and for the last three weeks, my number has been inching up .8 and that, of course, is not good.) I love Simply Filling and will probably alternate between plans, but, for now, I just need to pay more attention to portion sizes, etc.
In a couple of days, I’ll be recording an interview for Joshua P. Warren’s (the Wishing Machine guy) podcast, “Talk About Strange.” (I’m pretty strange, all right, but not, methinks, in the way some of the other guests are. Trust me, I mean this in the kindest possible way. :)) My segment will air on February 14, and you can find the show on iTunes or any other place offering podcasts. I haven’t been scheduled on “Strange Universe”–maybe I’m not strange enough for that one. (Or, possibly, I’m too strange.)
Speaking of podcasts, I’ve discovered a new one that I really like. It’s called “Beyond the Playlist”, an interview show with a positive emphasis. (Much as I love Dave Schrader and “Darkness Radio”, I have to change my recommendation to: listen with a grain of salt. Sometimes, things get a little raunchy and I don’t want folks tuning in on my say-so and then being upset. Don’t get me wrong: I personally LOVE the show, the hosts, Dave, Tim and Mally, and I listen faithfully unless I think the topic is going to be too violent or too far out. I heard about “Beyond the Playlsit” on “Half Size Me”, which is an EXCELLENT program full of good advice on fitness and health. OK, I’m starting to have trouble with my computer (operator error, I’m sure), so I’ll wrap this up with an audiobook recommendation: “First Frost” is an excellent novel with a touch of magic.
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I loved The Marriage Charm!
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One of my favorite authors, all her books are good.
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Congratulations to Karen Silver and Linda Holmes. I hope you enjoy your books.
Linda, you will get back to losing weight. Do you have a specific amount you’re aiming for? I need to lose a minimum of 50, but can’t afford any of the weight loss programs, so…I’m trying to just cut back. Sometimes, it works, sometimes, it don’t. But, I still hang in there.
It’s gloomy here, too, but we’ve been Blessed with some beautiful weather the past few days, so I can’t complain. Well, I could, but no one would listen.:)
Have a Blessed week.
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Congrats to the winners! Hang in there Linda with the weight loss, I am sure it will come because you stick with it which is something I can’t seem to do. I think I like to eat to much and don’t have to motivation not to. Sweets is my downfall. Its gloomy and raining here today. Yesterday was gloomy but I was able to take a two mile walk because it wasn’t raining. Also took the walk on Friday and Sat. Guess due to the rain I will have to ride the bike today.
I really enjoy the walks. Also have to work on our taxes this week. 
Hope everything goes well with your new weight loss plan. I can’t afford doing weight watchers and things.
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Congratulations to the winners.
Best of luck getting past the WW plateau. It will happen.
Looking forward to your podcast.
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Always fun to read your blogs. You have mentioned ADD several times, have you had it all your life and what do you do to control it? Keep up the great work on your Weight Watchers program – your honest and sincere updates are encouraging to those of us who also struggle with jojo weight gain and loss. Keep your JOY and keep those books coming! Sincerely from Texas…
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Hi congratulations ladies. Linda I am sure you will pass this plateau. Sometimes it is the body adjusting. The weather here in the east is cloudy with rain, sleet and snow. I really miss sunshine. Have a good week.
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Congrats to winners. Congrats to you for winning the skirmish. On with the war (of weight) lol
Have a great week
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Good luck on the points plan. Worked for my husband.
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Also wanted to say I just finished your last boom and I loved it
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Congrats to the winners. WTG !
Linda just hang in there. You will definitely reach your goal. You don’t let it interfere, you just move on to the alternative. Look forward to your podcast. The wbeather here is so cold with everything freezing to ice. All the snow drifts ae now mini icebergs. I pry for the sun and warmth.
Carol L
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Congrats winners! It’s still cold here. We got a chance to visit our son & daughter-in-law yesterday. Came home to freezing rain, then snow! I will be so glad when spring gets here!
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Linda,
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading your blogs and recommendations. I too have been on a diet for a little over a year and have managed to lose of 35 lbs. It’s not easy, but being a diabetic and strong family history of heart disease, I knew I had to do something if I wanted to live a productive life and not confined by diabetic related illnesses. Thank you for staying in touch with your readers, I for one appreciate you!
Take care and God Bless!
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Ladies, enjoy your books.
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I know what you mean about weight, it creeps in on a person. I am rying the DASH plan. Maybe if i do not call it a diet i will have better luck. I have lost 10 pounds and have many more to go. It helps to know other women are going through their own struggles and learning from others.Thank you.
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Hi Linda,
Just finished your new book The Marriage Charm and enjoyed it.
The mystery was a wonderful addition to the romance. I too am on Weight Watchers and have lost 30 pounds in about 9 months; but also really stuck. Can’t get below a certain number but still trying. Eventually that scale moves, I know, but I wish it would do it sooner rather than later.
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Congrats to this week’s winners ! We had a beautiful sunny Spring like weekend but today it’s a rainy Monday with cold to follow . Continued success with your plan Linda . Have a great day !
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Wouid love to win. Let’s hope I am lucky this time…
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Congratulations winners, Linda just keep on going and you’ll get to where you want to be in weigh wise. Enjoy the rest on your day.
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Good afternoon Linda and all your fans. Anyone from the New England area I hope you all have electricity and that you are all safe. I am in Maddachusetts and we have at least 4 feet of snow piled higher than that all over the place. My family and I are safe and warm thank goodness.
I so enjoy all your blogs Linda. Please keep them coming. And best wishes with weight watchers.
Diane
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It is gloomy here too. Counting the days until spring!! Keep going with WW – you will get there.
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Good afternoon Linda and all your fans. Anyone from the New England area I hope you all have electricity and that you are all safe. I am in Massachusetts and we have at least 4 feet of snow piled higher than that all over the place. My family and I are safe and warm thank goodness. Stay safe and warm everyone.
Diane
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Congrats to Karen and Linda on your win!! Good luck on the counting point system, I am sure you will make it work. I don’t think I told you Linda, but Marriage Charm was certainly a 5 star book and I also saw in Sunday’s paper where it was really climbing the charts. I’ve got to go on Amazon and rate it also.
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Congrats to the winners. It feels so good when you receive the “you are a winnder” email! New Englanders, my prayers are with you and your weather.
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Congrats to the winners! I am starting on The Marriage Charm today, so Excited!!! I know I’m gonna love this story and I love charm bracelets, would be a great prize, just saying. Hope you find peace on your weight loss journey. Have a blessed week Linda!
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Nearly through with the Charm and looking forward to the Season
PEACE
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Celebrate that you are continuing your weight loss journey. It is a journey to better health, not a journey to the number on the scale that truly matters.
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I’m probably 1/3 of the way through First Frost. I really enjoy her books.
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Hi, Linda, are you still working on answering questions from a couple of weeks ago? Hope so, as I’m still looking forward to a possible sequel to both the Montana and AZ Creed series.
Having said that, you never fail to entertain me with your blogs, and most definitely your books! Have a great week!
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Good luck getting off the plateau. Losing weight is soooo hard, especially as we get older. It is an inspiration to hear people who have managed to loose and keep their goal weight. Hope you will reach yours.
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Keep on with the weight watchers, you will get there. Have the Marriage Charm, can’t wait to finifsh my current book so I can start on it!! Keep on writing!
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Hi Linda,
I have just come back from a wonderful vacation – to Primrose Creek! I met some strong women and men, when life got tough they picked themselves up, and got on with it. Life was hard for our pioneers and we can only stand back and admire their determination and courage. It got me to thinking about my ancestors and what they went through and how it wasn’t easy for them either, but like the characters in Primrose Creek, they did the best they could, and it makes me proud to be a part of them, so thank you Linda.
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We’re at a balmy 81 degrees right now, what a shame I’m stuck here at work
Can’t wait to hit the beach with your new book. 
Thanks for all you write.
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Great to hear you finally broke through your weight loss plateau. That is so frustrating.
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Linda, Thank you for all of the updates you provide us. I have been reading your books for years and always look forward to your new ones. Thank you also for your W.W. updates. I go to W.W. also and it helps so much to hear the journeys of others. Thank You!
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THANKS for book recommend, will read write after Marriage charm, I got a little behind
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Congratulations to the winners this week. And to you Linda, I think you are a winner too. You keep up the fight and are willing to try something different when you stall. I’m a little tired of the rain here but have to remember the sun will come out soon. Blessings.
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Congratulations to the winners! Enjoy your books. Good luck Linda with the points system.
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Read your books religiously.
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I would sure love to win. Love your books and having one signed by would be awesome.
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It’s been really gloomy here for the last two days. Saturday was in the fourties. Melted some of our 19.3 inches of snow. But then Sunday we had rain with freezing rain. Although the sun came out today just in time for sunset today.
The one book you mentioned about the Encounters with Star People I got the sample to read.
Thank you for the book I will be watching for it.
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Is First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen.
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The weather turned gloomy here too. They are calling for sunshine tomorrow so that’s something at least. Good luck with the interview and WW.
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Hi Linda,
Like some of the other folks, I just finished “The Marriage Charm” and liked it very much. I’d love to see that mare and
foal charm! The girl’s trail ride was different and lots of fun.
I have to admit tho, that the triumvirate of cats was one of my
favorite parts. Yes, I’m a cat and horse owner, so I can relate.
Keep up the good work.
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Enjoyed the post. Congrats winners!! We’ve been having a milder than normal winter, but expecting snow tomorrow & dropping temps after that. I can feel good as long as I see some sun.
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Love your books! Congrats to the winners!
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So looking forward to hearing your interview! It’s going to be a beautiful week in Spokane/Mead!
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Congrats to all as you are all winners of one sort or the other.
Love the encouragements for never ending struggle with weight, exercise, motivations, etc. Started back on WW counting myself. Last time lost 63 lbs. Lazy, lack of discipline and chromic hand to mouth disease means I’m starting that climb to the pinnacle of success and wellness once again. So far 2 sizes but no weight loss yet.
Never give up, no matter individual challenge may be!!!!
You CAN!!
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Glad to hear you aren’t stuck anymore! Keep it up
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I understand the weight issue. I have yet to join anything to help me loose weight. I am proud to say that I have lost about 12 pounds in the last couple of years with just watching my eating. I know that sounds like a long time but it has been an up and down battle. The holidays being the worse. Have had some medical issues in there as well. I would really like to loose about 30 more pounds but trying to be realistic. I am over 50 now and will never again have the body I had at 25.
Have a great day.
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Have a wonderful week!
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so glad our weather seems to be turning! In northern Maine we are still buried deep in snow! I’m going to look into your weight loss system – I’m not familiar with it, and after this winter I will definitely need some assist! All the best, take care…
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Hi ! We have more cold an snow:( I will be so glad when spring hits OH. Hope you have a good day and enjoy family.
I am waiting for all the new books to come out for spring. Rereading old ones as it is to cold to play outside. lol
Thanks for the great reading stories.
Have a wonderful week.
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My son does a podcast so I have started listening to it and it’s interesting.
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I can’t wait to read First Frost! You should read The Secret Garden first, which introduces the characters; it’s an excellent book!
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I just love your books. Congratulations on your weight loss. I know how frustrating it is when you a plateau. Sounds like you have a good plan. I would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway.
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interesting podcasts