Thank you so much for your letters this winter. I do appreciate your thoughts and comments; and while I wish I could answer wach of you individually, I know you will understand that my schedule of 2 books a year, being a mother and bossy mother-in-law, doting grandma, and caring daughter doesn't allow me that luxury any longer. Thank you for accepting me as I am - warts and all.

We had a relatively mild winter on the North Fork of eastern Long Island. Spring, however, has sprung. The daffodils are daffing, the tulips and camelias are in bloom as are the cherry trees in all their glory. I spent the winter completing Book III in "Skye's Legacy". This is the story of Jasmine's second daughter, Fortune. Fortune is known in her family as the "practical" daughter. She goes to Ireland expecting to marry a young Protestant gentleman, and gain her mother's Irish estates by that marriage. But William Devers, while handsome and possessing a certain charm, cannot win Fortune's heart. He is dull, and narrow-minded. As the choice is hers, Fortune refuses his proposal. What happens next will have you up reading all night, I promise! The book is called BESIEGED, and will be available early 2000. I am now writing for my other publisher. This new tale takes place in 13th century Wales, England, and the Caliphate of Cinnebar. It is the story of Rhonwyn uerch Llywelyn, the illegitimate daughter of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the Prince of the Welsh. I will have more to tell you later in the year. Last month (April) my 23rd novel, THE INNOCENT was published in trad format by my long time publishers, The Ballantine Book Group . In July, Book II in "Skye's Legacy", BEDAZZLED, India's story, will be out form Kensington Books, also in trade format. Then in August I have a novella in a trade edition from Kensington entitled, CAPTIVATED. This is a book of 4 EROTIC novellas by me, Susan Johnson, Thea Devine, and Robin Schoen. Crank your air conditioners up, or put your fans on High for this one. It is not for the faint of heart, or those who like their romances sweet. You are hearby warned!

I have just returned from my second trip to North Carolina in 2 months. Since Dad didn't want to return to Long Island, our son, Tom, suggested that he move closer to him, and his family. Dad liked the idea, but had no idea how to go about finding a suitable place. Don't ever knock the yellow pages, folks. I looked under "Retirement", and lo and behold, found several independent living retirement communities. I sent for the brochures for me, and for Dad so we could discuss it together. We narrowed it to 2. Then Dad and Tom went looking. He picked a wonderful community just 25 minutes from Tom, Megan, and the children. I went down in late March to get him ready, and then back in late April to oversee the packing, moving, and setting him up in his new digs. He's happy, and content with family nearby including his favorite godson.

I'm glad to say that George and I, as well as Nicky the Cockateil, and our 2 cats, Pookie and Honeybun, are thriving. It is almost planting season, and time once again for the "Great Tomatato Race" with Neighbor Jim, who says he has a "plan". HAH! So do I! Stay tuned. That's all my news for now. Until we meet again, I wish all Good Reading from you most faithful author, Bertrice Small.