Yesterday, as my family gathered around the Thanksgiving table to count our blessings, each of us took a moment to express what we were most grateful for: Good health, employment, the overcoming of difficult trials and the recognition of accomplishments large and small.

My husband and I had something new to add to our lists this year. He offered his thanks to all the wonderful people who have helped usher my novel into the world, and I gave my thanks to every person who has bought the book.

Whether you loved it, hated it or simply shrugged and said, "meh!" after reading Ice Song, I am deeply grateful and honored that you chose my book. Every sale is valuable and meaningful to me. It is a recognition of my years of struggle, striving and survival. I am honored that you, dear reader, have taken the time to sit with me and invest your precious hours to hear my tale, and for that I thank you.

Blessings to you and yours as we move into the season of short days and long nights. I hope that your winter is chock-full of good stories, loving friends and family, and pie, glorious pie.