March makes me think of wearing green. Shamrocks, St. Paddy’s Day. Are you planning to wear green to avoid getting pinched? In Western Washington, AKA the Evergreen State, the color green abounds. As I walk the neighborhood, I can’t help noticing how many green shrubs and lawns are flourishing, and how many bushes are bursting with life or cling on to their green leaves through the winter.
A psychologist claims there’s a “Grass is Always Greener syndrome”, which extends far beyond yards and foliage. I admit to comparing myself to others, especially writers who are able to churn out bestseller after bestseller. Finishing and polishing a novel seems to take me forever, especially when research and editing is required. And it always is.

Pink shamrocks in a sea of green.
Several years ago, I was surprised when I heard that many people on Instagram and Facebook feel inadequate after reading about others’ accomplishments. The reader actually feels lonelier. I’ve met many fabulous people on Facebook and enjoy communicating with them, and would never want to give them up.
So it is with Mona Lisa Smiles, my newest soon-to-release women’s fiction with a lovely slice of romance. My mind frets. Will my readers like it? Is it good enough? Have I missed anything?

With Papa dead and Mama in assisted living, Mona Lisa Buttaro plans to sell the family home and restaurant, but her quirky brother, Joey, is a roadblock. Joey works at the family restaurant, and if she sells Booty’s where else could Joey work?
Mona Lisa hires former classmate Cliff McFarlane to do repairs on the family home. Newly sober, Cliff was in the popular crowd that excluded her in the past, but she is still attracted to him — not that she’d let him know. Mona Lisa wonders if she should give up on all men — unless she could find one like Papa, whom she idolized. Then she makes an outrageous discovery.
Is the grass always emerald green in your world? Does anyone live free of worry and in complete contentment? Is comparing ourselves with others a losing battle?
Enter my Goodreads giveaway to win one of 50 Mona Lisa Smiles Kindle E-books on March 25th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday March 26th. US only.