Happy spring, everybody! Because spring is the time for new beginnings, I'd like to introduce you to my muse-in-training, Auggie. I'm sure most of you remember Mauli, the Labrador retriever we lost last summer, and the column she "wrote," News from the Muse. She was my constant companion and slept at my feet as I wrote seven books.

Eight months passed before I could think about getting another dog. Then, the stars aligned and a little rescue dog entered my life. What does Auggie think about his new job? Keep reading.

Unbidden Magic series

Midnight Moon, book five and the last in the series, has been getting some nice reviews on Amazon.

"The characters really seem like people we know and love. They are flawed and quirky, but that is part of what makes them seem like real people. This is not a sappy teen romance novel, but an adventure where a girl with real life issues tries to deal with a paranormal roller coaster ride."

"This story almost made me cry, and definitely made me laugh. Brothers never fails to bring the humor of real life into her work."

"Loved the characters and character development and highly recommend them to folks who enjoy YA urban fantasy."

My publisher, Belle Books, uploaded a video to YouTube featuring the entire Unbidden Magic series. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out on my website.

Thank You, Loyal Readers

As a special thank you to those of you who've supported me by reading my books, I've drawn two names from the newsletter subscriber list. Jean B. will receive a signed copy of Midnight Moon and a $10 iTunes gift card goes to Susan P.

Here's What I've Been Reading

Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffrey Deaver

Creole Belle by James Lee Burke

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander

Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halprin

Jonelle Foutz, my talented web mistress and helper in all things technical, is a fellow dog lover. In fact, it was Jonelle who began emailing us pictures of Auggie. Who can resist a cute dog picture? Not me. She recently read Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein and offers the following review.

I don't usually say I like a book that makes me cry on the first page. Actually, I don't usually finish a book that I know, from the beginning, is going to break my heart — especially if it involves a dog. But I did read this book and I did like it.

Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog is the young adult version of the bestselling adult novel The Art of Racing in the Rain. It's packed with wit and wisdom that applies equally well to the racetrack as to the course of one's life. Although it steers the reader through some extraordinarily sad situations, the book is also funny, entertaining, and ultimately inspiring. Garth Stein is a skilled writer and effectively tells a very human story through the eyes of a very special dog.

And speaking of special dogs...

Auggie's Corner

First off, I've got some big feet to follow. Make that HUGE feet! Mine are small but faster than a speeding bullet. Not sure what this muse thing is but if it involves sleeping and eating, I can handle it. There is one thing I'm really good at: listening. Marilee says it's because I have ears that look like satellite dishes. Not sure that's a compliment.

I like it here. Hope I get to stay. The first people who adopted me sent me back to the dog orphanage, so I'm going to work really hard at being a good muse. Whoa, did I just hear a crumb fall on the kitchen floor? Until next time...

Auggie Doggie signing off