Finally….spring.

I live in the northern Midwest of the United States. That means winter leaves slowly and reluctantly, sometimes throwing a temper tantrum on the way out. As an example of this rudeness, it snowed here yesterday.

Yep. It’s May.

Some of my friends and family think we’re insane to live in a climate that acts in such a way. But I’m a lover of seasons, finding the ebb and flow of nature’s growth, abundance, and decay to be a comforting cadence. Sure, winter is a little long here. But that makes all the other seasons that follow so much more glorious.

I’ve always felt revived and energized in spring. As soon as those first, fresh days arrive, I want to air out the house, clear the clutter, and shake off any lingering dullness. For nature, it’s a time for renewal and change, a new beginning to the cycle of life. So it always made sense for me to treat my life in the same way.

After a few false starts, Monsieur Faitour and I are beginning our first annual whole house purge. We’ve done this in the past, prior to our move here, and know how liberating and truly freeing this experience can be. It never ceases to amaze me how cluttered our minds and bodies become along with our homes and work spaces.

And speaking of bodies, I’ve committed myself to becoming healthier and active. I was so focused on writing full-time and getting my first books ready and published that I barely noticed how much my fitness levels had suffered.

So, rather than moan and wail, I’ve decided to do something. (Okay, I might have moaned and wailed for a day or three.)

I’m a walker. So I will walk.

As for the writing, it too has echoed the season’s theme of renewal. I’m ready to publish the third installment of my London Calling series. It’s called Risking It All and I’m so excited to share it.

It picks up the story of Dominic and Natalie, our two doomed lovers from A Matter of Trust. Theirs is a lesson of loss and love, betrayal and redemption. Sometimes second chances can be as simple–and complicated–as forgiveness.

And finally, to complete the pattern of new beginnings, I’m happy to say I’ve started working on my fourth book. You’ll have to read Risking It All to meet the main characters, but I can tell you they’re both strong and brave, yet wounded and vulnerable. I can’t wait to see how they champion each other while healing themselves.

I hope readers continue to enjoy my London Calling series. I wish everyone, no matter what part of the world they’re living in, a happy and healthy season. And if it’s time to give something–or someone–a fresh start, then I wish you all the best in that as well.

Especially if that someone is yourself.