MISSING DECEMBER POST

This is the post I had written and somehow neglected to add to the blog. Wonderful news came as the month of December turned up on my calendar.  The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books gave ALL THAT'S MISSING a starred review.  A STARRED REVIEW, people!  Have you ever squealed with delight?  It's not the sort of thing I'm inclined to do, but there are times when the unexpected is called for and this was certainly one of those times.Next came word of VOYA'S review in its December issue.  I'm especially fond of the last sentence.  "Some suspense, much heartache, a few tears, and smiles all tie together nicely in the end to create an outstanding debut novel."  VOYAWhen you are toiling away in isolation, working on rough drafts and then revision after revision, you have to turn your thoughts away from things like reviews and reviewers and focus solely on the story and what will make it work.  Finally, the day arrives when the book is released into the world and there it stands, all alone and defenseless.  It's almost unbearable to stand back and watch.  

So, now I am breathing again.  The reception has been warm.  There is much relief.