8-4-2025 Newsletter

I hope all of you are enjoying your week!
Broken Foot!
Have you ever broken your leg or foot? How did you manage to get around?
I didn’t send out a newsletter last week because I was feeling poorly. I slipped and fell down the stairs and broke my foot! When it initially happened, I didn’t realize it was broken. My husband helped me up – that’s when I realized that I couldn’t walk on my foot. I iced it overnight and had to sleep on the couch since it was highly difficult to climb the stairs with an injured foot.
The day after I was injured, my son, who was still away at his college job, called my neighbors to see if they had crutches – my neighbor phoned me to see what was wrong – that’s when I told him about my fall. He was so kind. He went to the emergency room and was able to convince them to allow him to borrow a wheelchair. He, his son, and my husband managed to get me into the chair and out the door, down the steps, and into his vehicle and to the emergency room.
My husband and I were at the emergency room all day – almost 12 hours! After doing an x-ray and cat scan they determined that my foot was broken in several places! They said my bones remained perfectly aligned – so surgery would not be needed as long as I kept most of my weight off of my injured foot. Doctors have said that it will take 6-8 weeks to heal.
So, have you ever broken your leg or foot? How did you manage to get around?

My neighbor, me in the borrowed wheelchair, and husband on the right! My neighbor’s son took the picture!

My hospital band. Toomer is my married name. Dowdy is my maiden name.

My bandaged foot.
Recovery and The Blacksmith’s Bride
It’s been almost two weeks since I fell down the stairs. During that time I’ve been trying to get around on one foot. It’s been a challenge. I’ve tried several methods to help with my mobility. The wheelchair is the method on which I settled. I couldn’t use crutches, a walker, or a scooter. The scooter was hard to move on our old carpet – the carpet bunches up in places making it hard to maneuver.
During my recovery I’ve had a community of people to help me. My husband accompanied me to the hospital and stayed by my side the entire time. My husband, my neighbor, and his teenaged son helped me into my neighbor’s vehicle to be transported to the emergency room. My son, who was away at this college summer job, came home for a few days to help me. His job ends soon, so he’ll be back to help me for a few more weeks.
My sister, who lives up the street from me, has temporarily moved to my home so that she can help with my care. Since I can’t use my broken foot at all, it’s hard for me to get into my wheelchair, so I spend 99% of my time, day and night, on the couch. My morning coffee, snacks, and all meals are served to me on a tray. This round the clock service is nice, warm, and comforting during this season of recovery.

My wheelchair.

The walker and scooter that I sampled.

Coffee served to me by my son!
In The Blacksmith’s Bride – my historical novel set after the Civil War – Francine, the heroine, gets badly injured. During her time of recovery, she has a plethora of people who care for her. She has good friends, Ruth and Joseph, the hero and heroine in T he Baker’s Bride , who take her into their home and help to care her. Benjamin, the hero, also helps. The warmth of a group of people, coming together to help someone in need, is a huge part of The Blacksmith’s Bride. Order your copy today !
Birthday Celebrations
My birthday was July 30th. My son’s birthday was July 31st. Since his summer job has ended, he’s now home until classes start at the end of the month. He was supposed to have a birthday celebration at our home with his friends, but was forced to cancel since I’m camped out on our living room couch. My siblings purchased a delicious birthday cake from Wegman’s. My husband gifted me with beautiful roses!

Roses from my husband.

White cake from Wegman’s.
A Delicious Summer Treat!
Want a summer treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle for only $20 (LIMITED TIME) – continental US only! Grab a bunch for yourself and a friend! These are paperback books that make great gifts for yourself and your friends and family!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy these wonderful stories as much as I enjoyed writing them!
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
Want a nice emotional treat during the last few weeks of summer? Check out my Candy Beach Series! These are heartwarming delicious stories that you can read all summer! All are beach themed! Perfect for reading during your summer vacation!
The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated previously, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.
I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!
Writing Services
As a reminder, I offer writing-related services. I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.
Events
I currently have events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!
If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list!
Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?
She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.
BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS is a tasty Christmas unforgettable romance!
Join my email list today to get your free copy!

Our Country!
Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does not run smoothly! Also, remember to pray for all that are suffering in our nation! Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones to be sure they are okay!
Enjoy your day!