From the Author

This book was a lot of fun to write. I asked my newsletter subscribers to help me, either with suggestions for what they’d like to see in this year’s Christmas book, or names of characters. Many thanks to the following readers who provided names:

Rosemary M: Isabel, Micah, Ethan, and Adele

Amanda Z: Giavanna

Kathy M: Ava Kathryn and Audrey Christine

Elaine K: Hadessa

Heidi M: Lucinda Esther, David Allen, Noah Charles, and Carol Marie

Thanks also to the readers who gave story suggestions:

Elaine K: a dog with separation anxiety

Ami J: the true meaning of Christmas

Donna G: a second chance romance and coming to Christ

Nancy S: a mischievous kitten that steals and hides ornaments.

And finally, Karen S, who suggested a “gift of the magi” themed story. I wasn’t able to fit that theme into this novella, but I’ll try to work it in to a future story. I love working with my readers to tailor my stories!

I hope you enjoyed reading Cactus for Christmas as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you did, the best thing you could do for me is to tell others about it. Would you please leave a review at the site where you bought it? Good reviews are critical for authors. It doesn’t have to be long—even a sentence would help. Thank you in advance for helping me in this small but incredibly important way.

I love keeping in touch with readers. Each week I send an e-mail with a free short story. If you’d like to receive them, you can sign up at www.karenmalley.com. You’ll also learn about upcoming releases, giveaways, and little snippets about me.

Thank you so much for reading. May God bless you!