I Met Cindy Woodsmall Today!

Y'all...today was a dream come true!  Never in a million years would I have ever believed I would've gotten to meet this sweet woman, who also happens to be an extremely talented author.  And the big bonus?  It was release day for her newest book, The Harvest of Grace!  I cannot wait to crack this book open and discover her latest story.  :o)

But about meeting her...  *silly grin*

She is the most down-to-earth, genuine person that I've had the pleasure to meet in a very long time.  When I walked in the store, she immediately cracked an joke (with the help of some friends), and I knew right away that I was in great company.  :o)

We talked about books (hers, of course, as well as several others), and about her kids (as well as the grandbaby that she's expecting soon...exciting!).  But seriously, we mostly talked about books.  I couldn't help but gush just a little about how I discovered her books through a friend, how she is my favorite author of Amish fiction, and that I've loaned my copies of her books to my dad...and he's loved them just as much as I did.  :o)  And somehow, we got to talking about some other new releases, and I asked her if she had ever read anything by Sandra Byrd.  She thought she had, and I asked if she had gotten to read her newest book yet.  When she said no, I quickly went to the store shelf (where there were 5 lovely copies), and brought one back to her.  She. Bought. The. Book.  WOW!  Talk about instant gratification for someone who reads and reviews books all the time!  :o)

But I've saved the best news for last...

She's coming here for a visit!  Well, *here* here...like to this blog...like in a couple of months.  Squeeeee!!!!!  She's got a new Christmas book (The Christmas Singing) releasing in October, so y'all be on the lookout for that.  She'll be giving away a copy of it here, too, as part of a Southern-Style Meet & Greet, so be sure to check the schedule up top to see when we've got a firm date set.  :o)

So what about you, my friends?  Have you gotten to meet an author in person?  What was your experience like?