From time to time authors get incredibly humbling messages about what their books have meant to people. Balancing out the egotism that follows these moments are the one-star reviews and snarky private messages. So please don’t get the idea that it’s all teacups and roses once you publish. 😉

But it is lovely to know that at some point in other people’s lives you’ve said something that counts. And this post from a Facebook friend this morning made me cry:

You saved my life last night! I got some bad news from a family member and I was really upset and could feel my heart pounding in my teeth so I figured there was not calmness going on in my body. It was bedtime and I knew I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep. My favorite things to do before bed is to read but I was just agitating too much! I thought, I need a good book that is all about hope, courage, persistence and yes scary times but coming out on the other side after walking with faith and hope to a new life. So I thought of rereading your book, “The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap.” It was a great decision because I became calm and hopeful that all would work out. Powerful stuff at midnight on an ordinary Thursday night! So thank you and I am looking to continuing the story today. Peace.