Excerpt from Moon Dance by Susan K. Earl

A half moon greeted us as we rode sedately into the yard. I held on to Joe as I slipped silently off the horse, and his whispered “I love you” filled me with joy. I wandered thoughtfully toward the house and just about tripped over Rueben and Frank
as they lazed under a big shady pecan tree.
“That you, Maggie?” Frank asked. He looked beat and didn’t bother opening his eyes or waiting for my reply before he posed another question. “Joe all right?”

“Mmhmm. He’s stabling Rueben’s horse. Then he’ll be back.”
“I believe I’m too tired to budge from this spot, even with that wonderful smell comin’ from Mrs. Gilley’s kitchen.”
Rueben sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Think I’ll head on into the house and get a bite to eat ‘fore I sack out for the night. Y’all come on. Mom’s made chicken ‘n’ dumplins tonight, and it don’t get better’n that.” He reached out and pulled Frank up. “Come on now; you’ll feel better after you eat.”
They shuffled into the house like two old men, but Frank turned back at the kitchen door and searched through the darkness for me. “You comin’, Maggie?”
I called back softly, “When Joe gets back, we’ll be right in.” I leaned back against the sturdy old tree and gazed at the rising moon. Its light softly shimmered through the shadows, illuminating bits and pieces of the yard while leaving the rest in darkness.
It had been a long day, and I felt weary to the bone, but as I gazed at the glorious moon, I prayed, thanking God for his generous goodness, for Joe, for our families, and for that very
day of existence. Tears dampened my cheeks, not just from sadness or joy, but a mixture of the two. I closed my eyes and let the peacefulness of the moment sink into my soul.
All at once, I felt his heartbeat against mine, I felt his breath in my hair, and I imagined I heard his sweet voice...

Moon Dance ~ a novel
Copyright © 2009 by Susan K. Earl. All rights reserved.

Is it you? Are you there?

Tonight as I sit and contemplate getting started on the next chapter of the sequel to Moon Dance, I find myself wondering, just who out there is actually reading this blog. I hope it's reaching a multitude of folks who like Christian romance/ historical romance and will give Moon Dance a chance.
Writing a book is like giving birth to a child. You feel protective of it. You just want everyone to love it and no one to ever hurt its feelings. But the reality is that everyone has their own passion, their own taste in books, and not everyone will want to be your "child's" best friend.
I've had many best friends "good books" that I've loved throughout my life. And every time one of my favorite authors releases a new book, I can hardly contain myself before rushing to the nearest bookstore and getting my own copy.
I know a lot of you really like the new kindle and e-readers, but for me, I just have to have the book and hold it in my hand. I love to lay back against a huge pile of pillows and snuggle down for a good read. Tonight, for example, with only the sound of a soft rain falling and everyone else in the house sleeping, is a perfect night for a good book, a glass of wine, and a little time to unwind. I have just the perfect book waiting for me, calling my name... so for now dear friends, whoever you may be, goodnight!