For those who have signed up to be early reviewers, please make sure my e-mail address is on your accepted list.

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If you’re still looking for good summertime reads, here’s a list of books for armchair travelers.

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From Quarks to Quasars published a short article on a new material that acts as a cloaking device. This reminded me of the technology used in an upcoming release set in NetVerse.

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Dedications are one of those things I rarely decide until I’m on the verge of publishing. I like to match the story to the people in my life. In All Things, Balance, for example, was dedicated to my sister, who has the same kind of no-holds-barred approach to duty that Moira does. Tempered was dedicated to two friends from high school “whose strength has seen them through,” much like Hawthorne’s. My favorite dedication, though, is the one for Say Yes, “For Jackie and Trey, who deserve a Levi; for Suzan and Marissa, who found theirs; and to my dad, who’s always been one.”

When I finished writing Sanctuary, I decided to dedicate it to Richard’s mother, who has, from the beginning, been a huge supporter of my writing. I had planned to surprise her with the dedication after the book’s official release in August. She always gets a print copy of new releases, so I thought opening that book up and seeing her name would thrill her no end.

Life never goes as planned, though, does it? Two days ago, we learned that Judy has cancer. Her doctor recommended that she not undergo treatment (she likely wouldn’t survive it; she’s just too frail) and gave her two to three months. Hospice has been called in to care for her until then.

Richard is understandably devastated. We’re both scrambling to rearrange our schedules so that, if needed, we can stay with her at night and take care of her. To that end, the print edition of Sanctuary is now available. Getting it out early saves me a little work down the road, right when Judy might need the most help, but it also allows me to give her the best gift I can: My gratitude. The dedication reads simply this:

To Judy
Thank you