I just returned to the hotel after a wonderful time at the St. Louis County Library, and I thank Tess, Jim, all the librarians, Barnes & Noble for selling The Silver Boat, and all the readers who came out to see me. It is humbling and moving to be on book tour, far from home and cats, and to be so kindly greeted and embraced.  From the minute I stepped off the plane and met lovely author escort Elaine Bly (at left,) I felt the warmth of St. Louis.

I stopped into Tami Scott's wonderful studio for hair and makeup on my way to KPLR afternoon news for an interview  with Melanie Moon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were many memorable moments tonight.  The crowd was great, and as always, I felt so happy to meet my readers.  I love the Q&A part of each evening.  Tonight people spoke about their mothers, their sisters, their own dreams of writing.   Meeting each person was meaningful in its own way...I always enjoy the moment when signing a book, when we can look into each other's eyes and say a few words.  Sometimes tears are shed, and tonight was one of those times.

Special thanks to some Facebook friends who came a long way to see me.  I marvel at the fact that these women have become true friends of mine.  First I spotted Nancy Duckworth Coombs in the audience.  (From left, Nancy's daughter Liz Coombs Bouley, Nancy, and me.)

 

 

 

 

 

Later, when Susan Kellogg King asked after my cats, I recognized her--and her mother, Sharon Teagarden-King sitting beside her--from their Facebook photos.

(From left Susan, Nancy, Sharon, and me.)

Nancy, Sharon, and Susan and I share a New England--particularly Newport--connection.  The Kings (including Don) brought me a shell-covered box of Second Beach sand.  I'll treasure it!  Most of all they, and Nancy, and my other readers brought me love and support, and for that I'm so thankful.  It's hard to know everyone's name, but checking my Facebook fan page right now I see Kelly Berkley Ramsey and Liza Bascom have posted.  Sorry if I've left anyone out!

The St. Louis County Library is an extraordinary place--they have readings nearly every night:  Mary and Carol Higgins Clark, Nathaniel Philbrick, and James Stewart this week alone.  I'm honored to be among their company...as well as the company of so many wonderful readers, librarians, and booksellers.

The weather was dramatic.  During my breaks I loved watching the light change over the city, the Mississippi River, and the Gateway.  Here is the view from my window just before I left for the library: