Bookbug's Author of the Month: Catherine Anderson

_{_{CATHERINE ANDERSON}}

Note from the Author

Dear Readers:
When I was asked if I'd like to be Bookbug's Author of the Month, I was delighted and agreed without a moment's hesitation. After all, how hard could it be to write a short note to my readers about my upcoming April 1998 release, FOREVER AFTER? Not a problem, I assured myself. I write entire books, for heaven's sake. It would be simple enough to write a few paragraphs, sharing some of my thoughts about FOREVER AFTER and why the story is so special to me. Correct? Noooooo! When will I learn that, for me, nothing is ever simple?
Some time ago I wrote the note to all of you and sent it in. And then I promptly began to bite my fingernails. Was the tone of my note too serious? I read the other Author of the Month articles, all of which were far better than mine, prompting me to gnaw off what was left of my fingernails and e-mail an urgent message to June, saying, "Trash the piece I just sent you. I'm afraid it's too grim and serious. I'll send you another one." Or something to that effect.
So . . . here I am, at the keyboard again, this time with a scratchy feeling at the back of my throat—undoubtedly a bit of fingernail I accidentally swallowed. And what brilliant things have I in mind to say? Well . . . not much. I have concluded that I should probably stick to writing my books and let someone else tell you about them.
As I wrote FOREVER AFTER, I laughed and cried. For me, it was a beautiful love story with all the elements that make a book memorable: a frightened, lonely woman, a child in jeopardy, a ruggedly handsome hero, and a retired canine cop named Goliath, who captured my heart. There are parts that will be suspenseful enough to keep you on the edge of your seats. And the ending will restore your belief that heroes actually do exist, that where there is love there is magic, and that people (and deserving dogs) really can find happy endings that lead to wonderful new beginnings.
But—BIG DILEMMA—how can a writer tell her readers all of that without sounding sort of pompous? And how can I know if you'll feel the same way that I did? The fact is, I can't. Maybe you'll love FOREVER AFTER, and maybe you won't. All I can do is write the very best book I can and pray that I did my job well.
As for what inspired me to write this book and why it's special? For me, that is like trying to decide which of my children I love the most, for every book I've written seems special to me in some way. FOREVER AFTER is a story about a young mother with a deep respect for the judicial process, who fights in court to protect her little girl from being thrust into an abusive environment during visitations with her father, the heroine's ex-husband. Unfortunately, as so often happens in our country, my heroine finds herself losing the court battle, and when it's nearly too late, she realizes the law isn't going to protect her daughter. What would you do if faced with this dilemma? What would I do? How far would we go to protect a child?
When I asked myself those questions, I knew had to write FOREVER AFTER, because I believe most mothers would go to any length to protect their children, even if it meant breaking the law and becoming a fugitive.
What would happen, I wondered, if a mother, in defiance of a court order, fled the State with her child and went into hiding? And, what if, after changing her identity and moving clear across the country, she discovered she had spent the last of her money to lease a house right next door to the county sheriff and a vicious-looking Rottweiler reminiscent of her worst nightmare?
Enter Goliath, one of the bravest, most loyal, and most lovable dogs you may ever meet, and his county-appointed guardian, Heath Masters, my hero—a tall, dark, handsome man whose dedication to law enforcement is his whole life. Trouble stew! With Goliath keeping it in a constant stir, of course, forcing the heroine, Meredith Kenyon, and Heath Masters together, again and again, until Cupid's bow finally hits its mark.
What will Heath do when he falls in love with Meredith Kenyon, his beautiful new neighbor, only to discover everything about her is a lie? How much will he be willing to sacrifice in the name of love? His job? His freedom? Possibly even his life? How far will he go to save a child not his own?
When we love a child, do we draw a line in our hearts, over which we refuse to step? When a man truly loves a woman, are there sacrifices he simply will not make? And if that woman truly loves him, will she allow him to make those sacrifices, even if doing so may destroy him?
I give to you FOREVER AFTER, a love story that will draw you into a world where nothing is as it seems, a situation that not only jeopardizes the very lives of my characters, but puts love to the ultimate test. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it!
Sincerely,
Catherine Anderson
February 1998

I would love to hear from my readers. You can write to me at P.O. Box 985, Sutherlin, Oregon, 97479; or you can e-mail me at cathy@rosenet.net
Also, please visit my web site.

Other Books by Catherine Anderson

(Most recent publications listed first):
SIMPLY LOVE – Avon Books
KEEGAN'S LADY – Avon Books
ANNIE'S SONG – Avon Books
FANCY FREE, in the anthology THREE WEDDINGS and a KISS – Avon Books
COMANCHE MAGIC – Harper Paperbacks
CHEYENNE AMBER – Harper Paperbacks
COMING UP ROSES – Harper Paperbacks
INDIGO BLUE – Harper Paperbacks
COMANCHE HEART – Harper Paperbacks
COMANCHE MOON – Harper Paperbacks
SHOTGUN BRIDE, in the anthology TALL, DARK and DANGEROUS – Harper