STARDUST ~ Coming in May, 2012

Thrilled to share with you at last ~ my next novel, coming in May, 2012.

STARDUST: A Novel

Shortly after burying her unfaithful husband, Georgia Peyton unexpectedly inherits the derelict Stardust motel from a distant relative. Despite doubts from the community and the aunt who raised her, she is determined to breathe new life into it. But the guests who arrive aren't what Georgia expects: Her gin-loving mother-in-law; her dead husband's mistress; an attractive but down-on-his-luck drifter who's tired of the endless road; and an aging Vaudeville entertainer with a disturbing link to Georgia's past.

Can Georgia find the courage to forgive those who've betrayed her, the grace to shelter those who need her, and the moxie to face the future? And will her dream of a new life under the flickering neon of the STARDUST ever come true?

Here are a couple of the early endorsements:

"A reverence for the past and a keen eye for interesting characters make Stardust as bright and magical as a twinkling neon sign on a dark, lonely two-lane. You'll love the journey as much as the final destination. Another winner from an author with a uniquely beautiful talent!" (Lisa Wingate, National Bestselling and Award-winning Author of Dandelion Summer and Blue Moon Bay)

"Carla Stewart is one of the best at slicing out a piece of Americana and serving it to the reader in a delicious story. STARDUST is a smooth, inviting, well told story that will stick with you long after you read the last line and close the book. A worthy read." (Rachel Hauck, award winning author of Dining with Joy)

This was a fun book to write, although I didn't whip it out as fast as I would've liked. As you all know, life intervenes, and during the months when I was writing, a lot was going on. Somehow it all came together just in time. And I can't say enough about the talented, creative cover art team at FaithWords. It was love at first sight when I got my first glimpse of this one. You'll hear more in coming months about the writing and the setting, but for now, another book is in the embryo, hankering to be written stage, AND it's on a deadline, so I'll be carving out some writing time the next few months.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE this writing thing? And for all of you - I cherish your support, your cheering from the sidelines, and hearing from you. We're in this together!

And with that said, perhaps I should ask - what would YOU like for me to write a story about? Any burning topics that fall in the "nostalgic" realm? I'd love to hear your ideas.