Anyone need a hug? 
One question was? Are these your granddaughters? The answer is no. This is a stock photo my newsletter guru found. But they look so happy. The day will return when we can hug again, until then we need to remember these feelings.

When my children were young I used to hug them to fill up my hug well. My well is getting pretty dry. I can hug my husband and I’m one of the lucky ones to have someone in my household who will hold me and I can hold him back.

I write about hugs in Ponytails and Promises. During my life and my research I have come to realize that not everyone wants to have a stranger or even a friend or colleague cross over into their intimate space.

I’ve often thought of people who live alone and might be skin starved for touch. I believe that is why woman may go to the hair stylist often and join communities that do shake hands a lot, or at least used to before the pandemic.

I enjoy writing because it give me the opportunity to research about so very many different things.

“Extra. Extra. Read all about it.” It was a call years ago before many households had radios and TVs were available. Newspaper publishers printed extra editions when exciting news-breaking events happened, and the men and boys sold those copies on corners.

It sounds like a simpler time, a perhaps more romantic time. Still, it was also a rough time for the newspaper boys, who were usually homeless and, according to research, had to purchase their papers before they sold them and could not afford any unsold copies.

Today, it takes permission and planning for a newsletter to reach inboxes. I thank you for those who have signed up and who open and read my news.

You can sign up on my home page, read from a link on my author Facebook page or simply click through here.

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Ponytails and Promises described as “a great story,” “realistic and beautiful,” “Delightful and compelling read,” Max brought hope and happiness into many lives,” “characters not stereotypical gender roles,” and many more is the RAVEN contemporary winner from Uncaged Book Reviews.

Thank you,

for voting.

Credit for photo: https://www.dreamstime.com/erika8213_info

I needed your support and you gave it to me.

Ponytails and Promises, my story about being a woman who is also fourth generation farmer made it through the semi-finals and also the finals in the Contemporary category. I thank all the supporters who took the time to vote and vote again. The winners will be announced at during a live Facebook event with Uncaged Book Reviews the 2020 RAVEN Awards. There will be giveaways during the event. I invite you to pour a glass of your favourite beverage and join us.

Here are a few lines from some of the reviews on Amazon about Ponytails and Promises.

Ponytails and Promises takes you literally to the heart of the prairies. (Ryshia Kennie)

In Ponytails and Promises we find ourselves back in small town Regina Beach with Emily and Max. (Barb Y)

The setting is a generational prairie grain farm. The hope, commitment and love makes this romance an enjoyable and special read. (Amazon Customer)

Author Annette Bower has an innate gift for creating characters that are down to earth and relatable. (Shauna)

In a genre that can sometimes be too predictable, Bower’s characters shine with originality and this is perhaps her best so far. (deelynn)

This story reminds us that it’s important to remain hopeful and to stay connected while also being true to one’s self. (Karen Good)

I went into this book with a bit of trepidation – as so many contemporary romances seem the same to me, but this one is a wonderful surprise and is highly recommended. 4.5 Stars (Uncaged Book Reviews Amazon.com)

Uncaged Book Reviews 4.5 stars rating gave me the opportunity to be in the semifinals and then the finals. A win would be the cherry on the sundae, the ice cream on the cake and the double beats in my heart.

See you on August 18, 2020.

You will find many fantastic authors in the genre you enjoy reading and perhaps discover a-new-to-you author.

Cue the fireworks.

A mentor by definition is a teacher or a coach. I’ve had many throughout my writing career. The person I’ve been thinking about didn’t teach me, nor was a coach, but rather a peripheral supporter.

I have had the good fortune to attend Sage Hill Writing Experience  on three occasions. As participants we had an opportunity to read from our works in progress. After one of my readings, Susan Crean, a National Bestseller author, didn’t come up to me and congratulate me on my presentation, but rather she said that she believed I would go far in my writing career. There are some moments a fledgling emerging writer always remembers, and this is one of mine.

This year, Ponytails and Promises has received many reviews from readers and two industry reviews.

From InD’Tale Magazine a 4 1/2 heart gold crown that has given me the opportunity to be a finalist in the RONE Award (Reward of Novel Excellence) sweet, contemporary romance category. Cardyn Brooks wrote: overall, “Ponytails and Promises” delivers an emotionally satisfying, hopeful read about grief, recovery, and moving forward.”

Cyrene Olson in Uncage Reviews also gave Ponytails and Promises a 4 1/2 star review. In her review she wrote: “I went into this book with a bit of trepidation – as so many contemporary romances seem the same to me, but this one is a wonderful surprise and is highly recommended.”

To my mentors and my supporters, whether you realize it or not.