On the first day of the New Year, January 1st, 2026, my friend’s neighbor and dog walking partner asked me if I was going to make any New Year’s resolutions. I said “No, I never do.”

She said she was making a priority instead and that was to exercise more. Which got me thinking of all the things we have in common such as walking our dogs, Piper and Cooper, who get along fine and dandy, admiring the plantings in the neighborhood and at the horticulture center, travel, and reading.

 

Kate with two dogs

Piper and her friend Cooper

I assume she will enjoy the same book that I just purchased titled Second Story Bookshop by bestselling author Denise Hunter.
Second Story Bookshop Cover
I often check with my friend Mary Jackson, AKA themaryreader when looking for a book. She knows I love good clean fiction and has yet to steer me wrong. For more of her reading recommendations find her on TikTok and Instagram.
TheMaryReader IG
I doubt I’ll sign up for an exercise class even with a good friend. I’ve learned that the music is usually too loud and I have to show up somewhere at an exact time when I should be writing. Right? My priority!

Giveaway

Although Christmas has come and gone, I’m still in the mood for giving! I enjoy giving more than receiving, seriously. Please do enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card plus one of my books. Don’t know all of them? Check it out here.

January Giveaway

The giveaway winner will be announced on January 20th and has three days to respond to my email. Good luck to all who enter!

Best wishes, 

Kate