The day I’ve been waiting and waiting for. 

Today, Barbara’s latest novel, Greetings from Nowhere (FSG, 2008) is officially out!

Get ready for a trip to the Sleepy Time Motel in the Great Smoky Mountains. Aggie hasn’t had any guests in months, and the place has been getting harder and harder to keep up ever since her husband died. But Clyde and his mom need a place to stay when their car breaks down, and Loretta and her parents pull up in their van, followed by Clyde and his daughter, Willow. Can a run-down motel in the middle of nowhere change their lives forever?

      appropriate for ages 10 and up

To learn more, watch the book trailer on Barbara’s website. As always, visit her blog for all the latest news, a wealth of tips on writing and promoting books, and information about doing school visits. Fans of her other books, including, How to Steal a Dog, Moonpie and Ivy, and Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia, know that Barbara creates enduring characters who stay with you for a long time. So trot on over to your nearest bookstore, or order Greetings from Nowhere online right now!

                 
               Okay, okay, I’m going already . . .

Big congratulations, Barbara! 

Everyone, dip your spoons into this hearty celebration soup. As a special tribute to Barbara, vigorous lapping from the bowl is also allowed for today only (she loves dogs)! Come on, let me hear you slurp!

            
I hope I added enough postage for this soup greeting to reach you. I hear the USPS is raising their rates again soon . . .