'Tis the season to deck halls, trim trees, bake cookies, and shop 'til you drop.  This year, however, I'm taking a slightly more laid back approach to Christmas.  Sure, I still trimmed the tree and wrapped the gifts ; ) but for the past few years I find I enjoy the holidays more if I just slow down a little and go with the flow - and I've discovered that's what really makes me most merry this time of year. 

So what else is making me merry these days?

Well, if you've been following along here or at my website (www.ToniBlake.com), you know that in 2009, I'm starting a new series for  Avon in which all the stories will take place in the same small town of Destiny, Ohio.  So a lot of my merriment continues to be about that.  I simply cannot tell you how excited I am about these books!  And I recently got a GORGEOUS cover for the first Destiny book, ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, which comes out in June.  (I can't post it yet because finishing touches are still in the works, but check back here or at my website soon since I can't wait to share it!)

And just a couple of days ago, I got THE most lovely endorsement from New York Times Bestselling Author SUSAN WIGGS!  After reading the book, she said, "Toni Blake's ONE RECKLESS SUMMER is one wild ride!  This is just the book you want in your beach bag - it's sexy, emotional, and filled with twists and turns that will keep the pages turning."  Talk about a nice early Christmas present!  Wow - thanks, Susan!

Another merry thought for me is that I will soon be starting the follow-up book to ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, probably right around January 1.  I'm just as excited about this next story, and winter is my favorite time to write (nothing luring me outdoors away from my computer ; ) ) so I'm looking forward to diving in and revisiting Destiny.

One more bit of merriment is visiting with my reader group every day - the group is growing a little more all the time and what a lovely gathering of truly nice, funny, friendly women.  We have various fun activities and prizes, lots of book talk, and even the occasional guest author.  (My friend Julie Anne Long visited with us just this week.)  So if you haven't yet joined us there, please do:  www.yahoogroups.com/groups/toniblakefans .

I could come up with lots more stuff that's making me merry:  falling snow, good books, sitting next to my glowing Christmas tree with a fire in the hearth beside it ... the list goes on.  But I'd rather stop and give you a chance to post a comment about what's making you merry these days.

Mostly, though, I wanted to take a few minutes to wish you all a very happy holiday season with lots of great books in your stocking : ) 

With my warmest holiday wishes,

Toni

P.S.  And if you're still doing your holiday shopping, consider buying books as gifts this year.  Like every other sector of the economy, the book business is hurting right now and every book you buy will help keep the industry afloat.  Plus they're small and easy to wrap and they provide hours and hours of enjoyment. ; )