When I was finishing edits for The House Guests, I realized it was also time to write acknowledgements to include at the end.

I usually do just a page of thank yous, concentrating on the book my contacts helped with. But this time I wanted to recognize, if not all, most of the people who’ve helped me down my career path. The House Guests was something like my 80th book, and life comes with no guarantees. I saw that first hand this year, as did many of you, so I decided sooner than later was the right time to express my gratitude.

If you haven’t yet bought and read The House Guests, you may not know you’re right there, along with editors and research sources. Here’s what I said:

Finally, I’m thankful for my readers, the ones who write me letters or emails, and the ones who simply read. The ones who give suggestions and the ones who give praise. The ones who wish I’d write this or that but keep reading me anyway. I’ve gotten to know some of you through Facebook, my newsletter and my website. I am so glad I have because you’re the reason–at least one of the biggest–I write.

I’ve been so lucky, and best of all, I know it. I’m glad I can thank each and every one of you.

In the past my readers wrote me care of my publisher, and if I was lucky, I eventually got their letters . At the same time there were a few review journals, some put together by readers groups, who kept track of books in the romance genre and published reviews a month or so before the books were released. Those were my lodestones, the only feedback I got, the words that kept me going when I wished I could shut down my computer forever and find another career.

These days, of course, readers can contact me immediately through email, Facebook, and other social media. And reviews? Book blogs have multiplied exponentially, and if I’m lucky enough to be reviewed in a newspaper or professional publication like Publisher’s Weekly, or Library Journal, the reviews reach me that very day.

Everything has changed and continues to change quickly. Today I came across all the reasons I should immediately sign up for a class to learn to make and publish book videos on Tiktok.

Not going to happen.

But I am so grateful to the bloggers who took the time to read and publish their thoughts on The House Guests. It’s not a quick read. It’s a book a reader should sink into and ponder a bit. The characters needed room to grow and change, and the story had to unfold in stages. So every blogger who read and reviewed was one who took hours of his/her life to do so. That’s not a small commitment, and they are much appreciated.

As I end my final blog of this series devoted to different aspects of writing The House Guests, let me end with a few review snippets. You can read the professional reviews here, on my website, but let me acquaint you with some of the online bloggers, so you can visit them when you’re looking for new authors to try. These are the most recent.

I’ve long been a fan of Emilie Richards and she never ceases to surprise and delight her readers. In The House Guests she has penned a richly woven domestic drama liberally imbued with danger, terror, intrigue and suspense that will certainly keep readers turning the pages. —Bookish Jottings

The House Guests is an emotionally compelling novel with a hint mystery and a dash of intrigue. —Book Reviews and More by Kathy

The novel is very unexpected. I was expecting a high-octane thriller, but instead, I experienced a low simmer building of suspense with each flip of the page. I found myself continually holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop, and that kept up the tension until the multiple explosions at the end as the secrets revealed and the consequences faced. —Tessa Talks Books (Tessa wished the book were shorter. Little did she know how many words I cut before I turned it in, but you do.)

I found myself completely engrossed in this storyline.  I couldn’t wait to see how it all wrapped up.  At the same time, I hated to see it end. —Socrates’ Book Reviews

Even though I like many things about a story, I’m usually slow to hand out 5 stars. By doing that I want that rating to mean more to my readers. But this story ticked all the boxes.

• Interesting Characters with believable dialog
• Well though-out story with two families and two different secrets
• The writing flowed
• The ending was satisfying

For some unknown reason Emilie Richards has flown under my radar. This is the first time I’ve read a book by her, but I will guarantee you I’ve got her spotted and I’ll be watching for her next one. —Pick A Good Book

I’m so grateful for these and the many other reviews I’ve received.

If you’ve read The House Guests, you can add your own review. Look for the book’s page on any of the online booksellers–they’re all listed right here on my website. You can also review on social media, or in your favorite book group. Trust me, all reviews make a difference, especially to the author. Need review tips? Here you go.

Thanks for reading as I explored the ins and outs of writing this book. I hope you’ve enjoyed the blogs and more importantly, the book itself.

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***And a reminder. Diane Chamberlain and I are doing a virtual book chat at A Likely Story Bookstore on July 11th at 7 o’clock PM.   Come listen, ask questions, and even buy an autographed copy of The House Guests. The more the merrier.

Click here to join us Sunday night.