I have long since acknowledged that when things start moving fast in my life, blessings are going to start pouring down.
As I begin this On-The-Move blog, I am happy to share that I got on the move this year. My trip to Phoenix, AZ, was nothing short of fulfilling. Spending time with myself and my unofficial sister, Kristina, was everything my creative mind needed. Changing my writers retreat to a mini girls’ trip wasn’t the exact plan, but it all worked out in my favor. Surprisingly, I did get some writing and outline draft time in on the next Cherrywood Inn novel. I also got the much-needed downtime to plan and plot the Cherrywood Inn Let Me Love You book release. And yes, this was all in between laughing and dangerous roller coaster rides in hood Uber cars! I was able to put in work on Tanela, both professionally and mentally. I WILL NOT mention the horribly planned and even more horribly executed AZ Jazz Festival that busted up all of our plans. That deserves a comedic narrative blog piece of its own. I will say that it was great to see my friend, and it took me several minutes to stop crying like a whimp in the airport after we parted ways. Ladies, never wait so long to reconnect with those who make you feel connected in the world. Your presence in one another’s lives is more important than you probably realize.
My vacation was placed right in the middle of a very busy time for me professionally. As the world watches and tracks federal shutdowns and recession behavior, I, along with many lower to middle-class workers, am feeling the political pressures of working in public spaces. The education, health care, and public/human services fields are in a constant state of attack and uncertainty. It’s a perpetual yo-yo feeling to be in a field of work where you know and see you are absolutely needed, but are also dismissed and sometimes ridiculed for your passion and desire to see better. No one feels they need a public library until they NEED a public library. And unfortunately, at this time, most people in power are not in true need. I will leave all the gruesome details for the news and share this one happy thought. On the way home from vacation, two middle-aged women sat behind me on the plane. They both had a book in their hand, which is common, as is my staring at the cover to
see if I recognize the book. I did and nodded my approval. One woman said, “Yeah, I was able to pick it up just in time from the library.” The other woman said, “Why didn’t you just get the e-book on your tablet with Libby?” From there, the conversation was a training session on how to download books from the library to read offline. I turned around and shared that I am a librarian and very happy to hear their enthusiastic support of their public library. We had a nice little chat about all the things she is happy she can do at her neighborhood library, and it filled my cup a bit. As I get weary of the financial and political health of libraries, stories like this give me a little light to hold on to. Support your public library because we love to support you!
Of course, the biggest change happening this week is the release of my next novel, Cherrywood Inn Let Me Love You. I worked very hard to bring this story of relisence and restoration to your hearts. I am, as always, nervous that some will not get it. Or others will say it is too hokey, but I know deep in my soul that Sara and Randy’s story is meant to be shared. As with all my writing, I pray it helps someone, even if it is just with a smile or a laugh. My writing is built for fireplaces, cuddles, and ice creams. Romance novels should make you feel, and if I have accomplished that, I will consider myself a success.This will be my 2nd book in the Cherrywood Inn Series, a small-town romance novel series that moves the needle of love forward. Please watch out this week for the official page, book blurb, and cover release. Also, make sure you are following my Facebook Page, TanelaWrites, to participate in the virtual launch!
Cherrywood Inn Let Me Love You will be officially available for purchase on
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025.