Since I'm often asked similar questions, from time to time I'll tackle the most common ones here. I try to answer all my mail, but now that I'm writing and promoting two books a year, I'm much too slow. So you may find your answer on this page before I can get back to you.

1) I'm really enjoying the Shenandoah Album series, but I'm confused about the correct order to read the books. Can you help?

You can read the Shenandoah Album series out of order, but like all series, it's more fun to watch characters develop chronologically. Here's the order, including books planned for the future:

• Wedding Ring-2004
• Endless Chain-2005
• Lover's Knot-2006
• Touching Stars-2007
• Sister's Choice-2008
• Summer Winds-2009

2) I love the series, and I'm so glad you decided to write more than three. What can I do to entice you to write even more?

Publishers make decisions based solely on sales. If you like the series, buy the books new, either as soon as they come out in hardcover or the next year when they're released in paperback. Wholesale club sales count, on-line bookstores who sell new certainly count, so do books sold at quilt shops, etc. Unfortunately used sales do not.

If you don't like to buy books, ask your library to order it, another sale that counts. And if your bookstore doesn't have a copy in stock, just ask them to order it for you. All the books are, at the moment, still in print. They make lovely gifts. I'm always happy to send autographed bookplates if you send me an SASE. Email for details.

3) I'm collecting the books in hardcover, but I can't find WEDDING RING or ENDLESS CHAIN. Can you help?

Sadly, not. Hardcover runs are finite, then publishers concentrate on paperback sales. If you want hardcovers of the series, buy them as soon as they come out.

4) May I order a book directly from you?

Unfortunately no. But I do give away an autographed book every month, often in conjunction with some other goody. Sign my guest book and you're entered automatically. Check my contest page for more details. You might be lucky.

5) Can you fly to Anyplace, USA to speak to my book club or quilt guild?

Occasionally. Write and ask for my guidelines, and try to schedule way ahead of time. My publisher plans most of my promotional visits, and I have to make certain I have enough time to write my novels and spend time with my family.

6) Why did you decide to write mysteries, too? Weren't you busy enough?

Honestly? To please myself. I love Aggie and her family. I love the traditional mystery. I love writing in first person and writing gentle humor. I have years of experience as a minister's wife. This was a no-brainer for me. If you love any of the above, reading the Ministry is Murder series will be a no-brainer for you, as well.

7) Please tell me you're planning more books in the Donaghue series?

I can't. However never say never.

8) Speaking of the Donaghues, what is the correct order to read the two novels? And what about the New Orleans series?

Donaghues: Whiskey Island, then The Parting Glass (both to be re-released in May 07)

New Orleans: Iron Lace, then Rising Tides

But I promise the book police won't come after you if you read out of order. The stories will still make sense.

9) Do you really answer your own mail?

I have a wonderful new assistant, who happens to be a quilter, too. The first day she came to work, she helped me put together a baby quilt. How perfect is that? Marna answers some of my mail, but even then I read every email I receive and add my own personal comments to her replies. I was very tired of apologizing for responding so late, and I love hearing from you.

Emilie will choose and answer as many reader questions as she can. Email her or ask a question when you sign the guestbook.